Conversion therapy, a pseudoscientific theory that believes homosexuality and gender dysphoria can be undone, was widely exercised throughout the 20th century. Through practices like castration, electroconvulsive therapy, hypnosis, lobotomies and aversion therapy, psychiatrists tried to "fix" what they saw as a "disease."

While some of these treatments boasted cure rates as high as 50 percent, they were never "satisfactorily documented." But as psychiatric research and the gay rights movement advanced, the concept of converting a person lost credibility and in 2012, California became the first state to ban conversion therapy practices.

Despite modern research determining conversion therapy is ineffective and can be harmful, only 23 states have entirely banned the practice and are now facing pushback.

In early October, the Supreme Court heard a case from an Evangelical Christian therapist in Colorado, where conversion therapy is illegal, arguing that the ban violates her free speech. While the Supreme Court has yet to officially rule, they seem apt to side with the therapist which would invalidate protections for LGBTQ+ youth.

Although more aggressive methods like electroconvulsive therapy would remain illegal, providers could practice "talk" therapy, in which the counselor attempts to talk the patient through their sexuality. But just because it's not physically abusive does not mean talk therapy is a safe option.

Garrad Conley, author of "Boy Erased," a memoir of his adolescence as a Missionary Baptist and his experience being sent to conversion camp recalled that at one point, he had to tell a group all his erotic fantasies and sexual experiences. After which, the counselors barraged him with attacks "like you're a pedophile, you're a pervert, God doesn't love you."

One study conducted by Stanford Medicine found that participants who had undergone conversion therapy were more likely to develop PTSD, depression and suicidal ideations. Another study found that men who experienced the practice were 2 to 2.5 times more likely to have psychosocial conditions.

Although talk therapy is not as extreme as other conversion therapy methods, it has still been denounced by nearly every major medical organization because of the psychological damage it inflicts. Yet, there is still a fight to preserve conversion therapy. Ultimately, it's not really a matter of free speech but rather a question of medical malpractice.

If nearly every major study proves a treatment is not only ineffective but actually harmful, is banning the prescription a violation of a doctor's first amendment right? Therapists are healthcare providers and they have an obligation to treat their clients to the best of their ability. If they know an approach has a history of worsening the symptoms, it is unethical to conduct it.

Reversing the ban on conversion therapy shows that despite mounting evidence, the government is still willing to treat homosexuality as an illness to be fixed.