1. United States
2. Letter

Blocking access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth and adults is extremely harmful and ignores recommendations from major medical organizations. As of August 2024, around 118,300 transgender youth aged 13-17 live in the 26 states that have enacted bans on this vital care. These bans put young lives at risk and contribute to the alarmingly high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among transgender and non-binary youth. Every major medical association representing over 1.3 million U.S. doctors supports gender-affirming care as medically necessary and backed by decades of research. Denying such care goes against scientific consensus and deprives transgender individuals of essential healthcare services. Furthermore, these bans prevent transgender adults from accessing gender-affirming care through public funding sources like Medicaid. We urge you to stand against these discriminatory policies that undermine the wellbeing of the transgender community, both youth and adults. Protecting access to gender-affirming healthcare is a matter of upholding fundamental human rights and respecting medical expertise. All people, regardless of age or gender identity, deserve access to quality healthcare free from ideological interference. Repeal harmful bans that jeopardize the health and lives of transgender Americans.