1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

I am writing as a deeply concerned constituent to express my strong opposition to House Bill 35 (HB 35). This bill represents an alarming case of government overreach, stripping away the rights of parents, medical professionals, and, most importantly, transgender youth to access evidence-based, lifesaving healthcare. A Dangerous Overreach into Private Medical Decisions HB 35 places politicians between doctors and their patients, interfering with private medical decisions that should be left to families and licensed healthcare providers. Gender-affirming care is not a political issue—it is a medical one backed by extensive research and the guidance of every major medical association, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and the Endocrine Society. Gender-Affirming Care Saves Lives Decades of research show that gender-affirming medical care significantly improves mental health outcomes for transgender youth. According to a 2022 study in JAMA Network Open, access to puberty blockers and hormone therapy led to a 60% reduction in depression and a 73% decrease in suicidality among transgender adolescents. (JAMA Study) Additionally, the University of Washington School of Public Health found that transgender youth who receive gender-affirming care experience lower rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide attempts. (UW Study) The Devastating Impact of Denying Care By criminalizing access to puberty blockers and hormones, HB 35 will force transgender youth into unnecessary suffering, increasing their risk of mental health crises and suicide. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has emphasized that early gender-affirming care is critical to overall health and well-being. (HHS Report) HB 35 is Not About Protecting Youth—It’s About Political Control This bill does not serve the best interests of children or families. Instead, it is a government overreach into deeply personal healthcare decisions. Parents, in consultation with doctors, should have the right to determine what is best for their child—not the government. As Your Constituent, I Strongly Oppose HB 35 This legislation is not just harmful; it is dangerous. It disregards scientific evidence, undermines parental rights, and puts vulnerable youth at greater risk of harm. I urge you to oppose HB 35 and protect the rights and lives of transgender Missourians.