Alison O’Connor: Trans rights and women’s right should not be an either/or choice

We have a duty to do our absolute best for the trans community, providing the healthcare required and all the necessary societal supports — but not at the expense of women, writes Alison O'Connor

British Labour leader Keir Starmer has said there needed to be a ‘mature, respectful debate about trans rights’.

IT describes itself as one of the world’s leading general medical journals, published weekly in England since 1823, and The Lancet does indeed carry great weight around the globe —which is why its latest cover is so disturbing.

Released on social media, it was plain white with just a quote in the middle of the page: “Historically, the anatomy and physiology of bodies with vaginas have been neglected,” it stated. Underneath that posting on Twitter was the tagline: “Our new issue is here. On the cover ‘Periods on display’ and the cultural movement against menstrual shame and #PeriodPoverty.”