Urgent: The Executive Order on Gender-Affirming Care for Youth is misguided

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent executive order titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation” dated January 2025. This executive order misses important aspects of gender-affirming care and its critical impact on the well-being of transgender and questioning youth. Gender-affirming care is a multidisciplinary approach geared toward supporting the mental and physical health of transgender youth. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Endocrine Society, and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health strongly support this care. These organizations stress that gender-affirming interventions, when properly administered, can reduce suicide rates and promote better mental health outcomes among transgender youth. Studies have shown that transgender adolescents who receive gender-affirming care have significantly lower rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation compared to those who do not receive such care. Denying access to this essential care increases the risk of severe psychological distress and suicidality among an already vulnerable population. Furthermore, there is substantial evidence indicating that the extreme negative outcomes often cited in your executive order are not representative of the broader experiences of individuals undergoing gender-affirming care. Cases of regret or serious complications are relatively rare and, in many instances, have not been independently verified. It is essential to acknowledge that a majority of those who receive gender-affirming treatments experience improved overall well-being. Rather than an outright prohibition, a more effective solution would be to enhance the oversight and regulation of medical practitioners to ensure the highest standards of care are maintained. An executive order addressing malpractice and ensuring that healthcare providers follow established guidelines would better serve the interests of children and transgender youth without denying them the care they need. Given the profound impact this executive order could have on the lives of countless young individuals, I urge you to reconsider and consult with professionals from these respected scientific organizations. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I hope that, together, we can work towards policies that prioritize the health and well-being of all youth.