I urge you to vote NO on SB49, SB164, and SB 236, the so-called "SAFE Act", and any similar bills. These bills are extreme attacks on children's health care access. They seek to ban life-saving, medically necessary, and affirming health care for transgender youth. These bills not only display a fundamental lack of understanding of who transgender children are, but also undermine medical care best practices for transgender youth backed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and other leading medical authorities. All children deserve access to health care, and deserve the best chances at opportunities to thrive. That includes transgender youth. Decisions about health care should be made by doctors with patients and their families, not with our government.
The Missouri Attorney General's recent depraved attacks on healthcare facilities providing gender-affirming care are unfounded and malicious. The alleged whistleblower report that was conveniently reported on just prior to the introduction of these bills does not match the experiences of transgender youth and their parents in Missouri. Missourians don't appreciate being treated like fools.
It's been well documented that when we do not give transgender youth access to gender affirming health care, it contributes to feelings of depression, social isolation, internalized transphobia or self hatred, and risk of self harm and suicidal behaviors. Youth across Missouri deserve the chance at health care that will allow them to thrive, living as their most authentic selves! Please oppose these bills.
▶ First sent on February 15 by MO Residents
