1. United States
2. Ala.
3. Letter

The 11th Circuit's decision to allow Alabama to enforce its ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors is deeply concerning. Numerous medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, have affirmed that this type of care is safe, effective, and can be life-saving for transgender youth. Denying access to gender-affirming treatments like puberty blockers and hormones will have devastating impacts on the mental health and well-being of these vulnerable young people. Studies show that having access to gender-affirming care significantly reduces depression, anxiety, and risk of suicide for transgender youth. This decision goes against established medical consensus and will cause real harm. We must prioritize the health and lives of these children over partisan politics and ideology. I urge you to listen to medical experts and stand up for the rights of transgender minors to get the care they need.