OPPOSE HB1016 - PROTECT TRANSGENDER MISSOURIAN’S RIGHTS

I am writing as a concerned constituent to express my strong opposition to House Bill 1016 (HB 1016). This bill represents an extreme overreach by the government into private medical decisions, jeopardizing the health and well-being of transgender youth across Missouri. By banning proven, evidence-based gender-affirming healthcare for minors and penalizing healthcare providers who offer it, this legislation directly endangers lives. HB 1016 is Government Overreach at its Worst HB 1016 takes deeply personal, family and doctor-led medical decisions and places them in the hands of politicians. Families, in consultation with licensed medical professionals, should have the right to determine the best course of treatment for their children—not the government. The bill’s restrictions go against the guidelines of every major medical organization, including: • The American Academy of Pediatrics • The American Medical Association • The Endocrine Society These organizations strongly support gender-affirming care because research overwhelmingly shows that it reduces depression, anxiety, and suicide risk among transgender youth. Gender-Affirming Care is Lifesaving and Evidence-Based Numerous peer-reviewed studies confirm that access to gender-affirming care dramatically improves mental health outcomes for transgender youth. According to a 2022 study in JAMA Network Open, transgender adolescents who receive gender-affirming treatment experience: • A 60% reduction in depression • A 73% decrease in suicidal thoughts (JAMA Study) Additionally, a University of Washington study found that transgender youth receiving gender-affirming care reported lower levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation than those denied care. (UW Study) Denial of Care Causes Harm Denying transgender youth access to medically necessary care has severe and lasting consequences. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has emphasized that gender-affirming care is critical to the health and well-being of transgender adolescents. (HHS Report) HB 1016 criminalizes standard medical care and exposes healthcare providers to extreme legal consequences for providing evidence-based treatment. This will: • Force families to leave Missouri to seek care elsewhere. • Increase rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among transgender youth. • Discourage medical professionals from practicing in Missouri, worsening the state’s healthcare crisis. Missourians Deserve Better Instead of focusing on real issues affecting Missouri families, HB 1016 targets some of our state’s most vulnerable youth. It ignores scientific consensus, undermines parental rights, and puts the government in charge of decisions that should be made by families and doctors. I Urge You to Oppose HB 1016 This bill is harmful, unnecessary, and dangerous. It will cost lives by denying transgender youth the care they need. I urge you to stand against government overreach and vote NO on HB 1016.