SB 4638: Say No to Denying Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Youth

SB 4638: Say No to Denying Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Youth This proposed legislation seeks to prohibit the use of Tricare funds for covering gender-affirming medical treatments such as puberty blockers, surgeries, and hormone replacement therapy for minors. Denying access to this essential care for transgender youth goes against established medical guidelines and violates their fundamental rights. Gender-affirming care is vital for the well-being and healthy development of transgender individuals, and has been endorsed by major medical associations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association. Restricting access to this care can lead to adverse mental health outcomes, including increased risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. We should be supporting and protecting our youth, not denying them access to medically necessary and potentially life-saving care. I urge you to reject this harmful and discriminatory legislation.