- United States
- Va.
- Letter
Restricting access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth is deeply concerning and unethical. Overwhelming medical consensus affirms that this care is safe, effective, and often life-saving for young people experiencing distress related to their gender identity. Denying youth this medically-necessary treatment puts their wellbeing and lives at risk. Gender-affirming care reduces depression, anxiety, and suicidality in transgender youth when provided in accordance with guidelines from leading medical authorities. Withholding this care perpetuates immense psychological harm. Moreover, the "regret" argument ignores that rigorous assessments occur before any medical interventions, ensuring procedures align with a young person's authentic self. All major medical associations recognize gender-affirming care as vital for the health and wellbeing of transgender people when indicated. Denying this care based on ideology rather than evidence violates medical ethics and discriminates against an already vulnerable population. I urge you to listen to medical experts and reject policies that endanger the lives of transgender youth.