- United States
- Texas
- Letter
I strongly oppose the provisions in this bill that would prohibit payments to children's hospitals that provide gender-affirming care to transgender youth. Denying access to medically-necessary treatment poses a severe threat to the health and well-being of these vulnerable young people. Gender-affirming care is endorsed by every major medical association as safe, effective, and life-saving for those experiencing gender dysphoria. Withholding this vital care significantly increases risks of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation among transgender youth. Healthcare decisions should be made between patients, their families, and medical professionals - not through discriminatory government policies that undermine established standards of care. I urge you to remove these harmful provisions and ensure transgender youth can access the critical medical treatment they need.