1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

This proposed legislation attempts to prohibit certain medical procedures and treatments related to gender transitioning for all individuals, not just minors. However, many of the listed procedures serve important functions unrelated to gender affirmation, and banning them outright would deprive patients of medically necessary care. For example, hysterectomies are commonly performed to treat uterine cancer, ovarian cysts, endometriosis and other gynecological conditions. Mastectomies are vital for breast cancer treatment and prevention in high-risk patients. Hormone therapies are prescribed for a variety of medical issues besides gender dysphoria. A blanket prohibition on these procedures and treatments would have severe negative impacts on patients' health and access to care. I urge thoughtful reconsideration of this overly broad legislation to ensure it does not inadvertently restrict vital medical services for all citizens of our state.