- United States
- Ariz.
- Letter
Consider perspectives on Senate Bill 635 regarding trans youth healthcare.
To: Sen. Sinema, Sen. Kelly
From: A verified voter in Tucson, AZ
July 20
This bill, Senate Bill 635, aims to prohibit gender transition procedures and related medical interventions for minors under 18 across the United States. It defines sex based on biological characteristics at birth, allowing exceptions only for intersex individuals or other medical reasons unrelated to gender transition. The provisions are far-reaching, banning interstate travel, telehealth services, interstate communication and transfer of medications or supplies related to transition care. It also prohibits federal funding for states that require doctors to provide transition procedures and permits legal action against medical professionals until the patient turns 48 years old. While aimed at protecting minors, these restrictions raise concerns over access to essential healthcare and could adversely impact transgender youth. A balanced approach that prioritizes the wellbeing of young people, based on medical consensus and individual circumstances, may be more appropriate than blanket prohibitions. I urge you to critically examine this bill's implications and consider perspectives from the medical community, civil rights advocates, and those directly affected before proceeding.