1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

This proposed legislation to require parental consent for providing gender reassignment drugs to minors raises significant concerns. The scientific consensus from major medical organizations is that gender-affirming care, including access to puberty blockers and hormones, is vital for the wellbeing and health of transgender youth. Denying this medically necessary treatment amounts to an unethical healthcare ban that will undoubtedly lead to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among an already vulnerable population. Furthermore, criminalizing healthcare providers who follow best practices endorsed by experts is an unjustified overreach that will deter physicians from offering evidence-based care out of fear of prosecution. Similarly, threatening parents who support their transgender children with child abuse charges is not only misguided but actively harmful to families. The exemption for intersex children is also problematic as it disregards the nuances of gender identity. This draconian legislation ignores the real-world impacts on transgender youth and their families. I urge you to reconsider this ill-advised proposal that flies in the face of scientific consensus and human rights principles. Healthcare decisions should be guided by medical professionals, not legislated through an ideological lens that rejects established standards of care. Protect our vulnerable youth by upholding their fundamental rights to access vital medical treatment.