This proposed legislation poses a grave threat to the health and well-being of transgender youth. Denying access to gender-affirming care, including puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries, can have severe negative impacts on mental health and increase risk of suicide for these vulnerable young people. Numerous major medical associations endorse such care as safe, effective, and medically necessary treatment. Furthermore, criminalizing healthcare providers for offering this vital care is an unconscionable overreach that will discourage doctors from helping transgender patients out of fear of prosecution. This intrusion into personal medical decisions should be firmly rejected. Public funds should be utilized to ensure all young people, including transgender youth, receive appropriate, evidence-based care that allows them to thrive. Organizations providing gender-affirming healthcare serve a crucial role that must be protected, not penalized. I urge you to oppose this harmful legislation that undermines transgender rights and safety in favor of policies based on science, medical consensus, and human rights principles that safeguard the health of all young people.
