1. United States
2. Conn.
3. Letter

This proposed legislation seeks to deny transgender youth access to essential medical care under the guise of "protecting children." However, denying gender-affirming care goes against scientific consensus and amounts to discrimination. Well-established medical guidelines affirm that such care is safe, effective, and often medically necessary for the health of transgender individuals. Numerous major medical associations, including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Pediatrics, support access to gender-affirming care for youth. Withholding this care can have devastating consequences, including increased risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Every person deserves access to the medical treatments they need based on patient-provider consultations and the best available evidence, not blanket political bans motivated by discrimination. I urge you to oppose this harmful legislation that threatens the wellbeing of transgender youth and instead listen to the voices of medical experts and affected communities. All people, regardless of gender identity, deserve access to safe, ethical, and potentially life-saving medical care.