Protect Transgender Youth: Oppose HR 498

I am writing to urge you to oppose HR 498, the so-called "Protect Children's Innocence Act." This bill would criminalize evidence-based, medically necessary healthcare for transgender youth. Major medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and the Endocrine Society support gender-affirming care as safe, effective, and potentially life-saving treatment. HR 498 would: - Override the medical judgment of healthcare providers and families - Deny transgender youth access to care that reduces rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality - Criminalize doctors who provide standard medical care - Violate parental rights to make healthcare decisions for their children Every young person deserves access to healthcare that allows them to thrive. Politicians should not be making medical decisions that belong between patients, families, and their doctors. I urge you to oppose HR 498 and protect transgender youth's access to medically necessary healthcare. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.