Woman Reaches Confidential Settlement in Malpractice Lawsuit Over Double Mastectomy

A woman who underwent a double mastectomy in August 2020 reached a confidential settlement in a malpractice lawsuit against two Oregon therapists and their employers. Camille Kiefel, 36, filed the complaint in 2022 against licensed clinical social worker Amy Ruff and licensed professional counselor Mara Burmeister.

The suit also named their employers, Brave Space and the Quest Center for Integrative Health. Kiefel alleged the therapists approved her for surgery after two telemedicine sessions lasting about an hour each. She said she had a history of trauma, depression, suicidal ideation, and ADHD.

Kiefel told Fox News Digital she identified as nonbinary and sought the procedure to address gender distress. She said the surgery did not resolve her symptoms and she detransitioned less than two years later. She reported ongoing physical complications including vertigo, tinnitus, and Raynaud's syndrome.

Kiefel said she later addressed nutrition and the gut-brain connection, after which both her physical and mental health improved. Kiefel stated she was not given true informed consent and wanted to hold providers accountable to protect others.

The settlement occurred days before the case was scheduled for trial, according to reporter Benjamin Ryan. Kiefel said litigation may be the most effective route to change gender medicine practices. Brave Space has since closed permanently. Ruff and Quest did not respond to requests for comment.

Kiefel is one of at least 30 detransitioners who have filed similar lawsuits in the past four years, according to Ryan. In February, another woman named Fox Varian won a $2 million verdict in a comparable case.