J.K.Rowling has weighed in on an online debate, rejecting the claim that women demanding access to single-sex healthcare are "psychotic".
"Intimate touching without consent is sexual assault. A self-proclaimed doctor says it’s ‘psychotic’ for disabled women to assert the right to female-only intimate care. I’m praying he’s not actually an MD, just a standard misogynist here to troll, but either way," the author tweeted.
Her comments came after a netizen claiming to be a doctor responded to a women's rights activist who was highlighting the importance of disabled women having the opportunity to demand a female doctor when it comes to their intimate care.
A lot of social media users flocked to Rowling's Twitter thread to support her sentiment against the “doctor’s” claim.
"There’s nothing psychotic about asking for same sex personal care for women. This is about safety, dignity & advocacy first," disability advocate Nicky Clark wrote. "Disability rights being shelved on other grounds is exhausting & we have enough to do as advocates already."
Another user noted that "For any gender concerning anything, as soon as they communicate saying "NO" , it should immediately be RESPECTED , agreeing to the REQUEST."
Rowling is one of the most vocal advocates for women's rights, especially when the issue comes into controversy with trans rights. While underlining that she "knows and loves trans people", the Harry Potter author has repeatedly stated that biological sex cannot be ignored.
Her stance on trans rights has caused much backlash, but many people have also sided with her as well, launching the Twitter hashtag #IStandWithJKRowling.