1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

I want my state to protect access to gender-affirming health care for transgender individuals, just like Minnesota, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, and New Mexico have done this year. Restricting such critical care puts the wellbeing and lives of transgender people at risk. Gender-affirming care has been shown to decrease rates of anxiety, depression, and other adverse mental health outcomes, according to research from the Journal of the American Medical Association. It is crucial that this evidence-based care remains available and protected under the law. By shielding providers and families from legal threats from other states, my state can become a refuge for those seeking this essential health care. I urge you to take action to safeguard the rights and health of our transgender community members.