1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support policies that protect and expand access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth. A groundbreaking study recently published in The Journal of Pediatrics provides compelling evidence of the life-saving benefits of this essential medical care. The study, conducted at a Midwestern clinic, examined transgender youth who received hormone therapy between 2017 and 2024. The results are striking: suicidality scores dropped by approximately 68% after patients received gender-affirming hormones for an extended period. This dramatic reduction in suicide risk cannot be ignored. The research methods were robust, with data collected from across the hospital system to minimize loss to follow-up. Out of 432 patients, only 7 discontinued hormone therapy, with just 4 citing a shift in gender identity. This low discontinuation rate speaks to the appropriateness and effectiveness of the treatment. It's crucial to note that these positive effects were consistent for both feminizing and masculinizing therapy. The researchers concluded there is "a stable and clinically meaningful association between hormone therapy and reduced suicidality." They attribute this improvement to various factors, including the effects of hormones on mood, physical changes, and improved social navigation. This study aligns with a growing body of research supporting the efficacy and life-saving potential of gender-affirming care. It addresses common critiques of such research, explaining why randomized controlled trials would be unethical in this context and emphasizing the value of observational studies in informing clinical guidelines. I urge you to base your policy decisions on this scientific evidence rather than fear or misinformation. Transgender youth deserve access to safe, effective medical care that can significantly improve their mental health and reduce their risk of suicide. Please support legislation that protects and expands access to gender-affirming care, and oppose any attempts to restrict this vital treatment. The lives of young people in our community depend on it.