"They May Hide and Avoid Coming to the Clinic": Healthcare Providers' Perspectives on Ghana's Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill and Its Implications for Health Policy and HIV Service Delivery

Ghana's Parliament passed an amended version of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill in 2026, expanding legal restrictions on LGBTQ identities, relationships, advocacy, and support. While concerns have been raised about the legislation's implications for healthcare access and HIV service delivery, little is known about how healthcare providers (HPs) understand the Bill or perceive its implications for healthcare delivery. This qualitative study explored HPs' understanding of the Bill and its implications for healthcare access, HIV service utilization, and healthcare delivery. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 HPs from public and private healthcare facilities in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Four interrelated themes emerged. Participants generally understood the Bill through public discourse, relying primarily on social media, news reports, religious institutions, and community discussions. They emphasized that healthcare should remain accessible regardless of an individual's sexual orientation, gender identity, or legal status, framing care as a professional responsibility and fundamental right. Participants also anticipated that criminalization could discourage LGBTQ persons from accessing HIV- and STI-related services by increasing fears of exposure, discrimination, and legal repercussions. Finally, they expressed uncertainty about whether providing healthcare, referrals, counselling, or support to LGBTQ persons could expose them to legal consequences. These findings suggest that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has implications beyond the regulation of LGBTQ identities, extending to healthcare delivery, HIV service utilization, and health system functioning. The study highlights the importance of considering the health system consequences of major legislative reforms and providing healthcare workers with clear implementation guidance when policies have implications for healthcare delivery.