1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

Protect Transgender Youth and Access to Gender-Affirming Care I strongly oppose SB2357, the "Protect Children's Innocence Act", as it seeks to prohibit gender-affirming care for minors. This discriminatory legislation would prevent transgender youth from accessing essential medical care and support services vital to their well-being and healthy development. Denying gender-affirming care goes against widely accepted medical standards and recommendations from leading health organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association, and the American Medical Association. Gender-affirming care is evidence-based, age-appropriate care that allows transgender youth to live authentically and reduces risks of depression, anxiety, and suicide. This bill perpetuates harmful myths and promotes discrimination against an already vulnerable population. It disregards the expertise of medical professionals and the rights of transgender youth and their families to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. Transgender young people deserve the same access to medically necessary care as their cisgender peers. I urge you to reject SB2357 and instead support policies that affirm and protect the rights and well-being of all youth, regardless of their gender identity or expression. This regressive legislation has no place in a society that values equality, healthcare access, and human rights.