1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

House Bills 35, 1081, 1038, and 1016 contradict the overwhelming consensus of medical experts and pose a direct threat to the well-being of transgender youth in Missouri. The American Medical Association (AMA), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and Endocrine Society all recognize gender-affirming care as essential, evidence-based medical treatment. The AMA explicitly opposes legal restrictions on such care, stating that “gender-affirming care seeks to minimize the distress trans individuals experience by providing a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.” (ama-assn.org) Research confirms that gender-affirming care significantly improves mental health outcomes for transgender youth. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that “gender-affirming care is a supportive form of healthcare” and that “research demonstrates that gender-affirming care improves the mental health and overall well-being of gender-diverse children and adolescents.” (opa.hhs.gov) Blocking access to puberty blockers and hormone therapy, which are recommended by medical professionals for carefully selected patients, will increase the risk of severe distress, depression, and suicidal ideation among transgender youth. This legislation disregards established medical practice, inserts government interference into private medical decisions, and directly harms vulnerable youth. It sets a dangerous precedent by allowing lawmakers to override evidence-based medical guidelines in favor of political ideology. Physicians, in consultation with families and patients, should determine appropriate care—not the government. These bills must be rejected.