Reject legislation harming transgender and intersex youth wellbeing

HB 9874 poses a grave threat to the health and well-being of transgender youth by denying access to gender-affirming care, including puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries. Banning such care and criminalizing healthcare professionals who provide it will only exacerbate the already alarming rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality among transgender youth. It is a violation of their fundamental right to access appropriate medical care and live authentically. The exception for "corrective" procedures for intersex traits perpetuates the harmful notion that these variations need to be "corrected," undermining bodily autonomy and perpetuating stigma. Reconsider this harmful legislation which goes against established medical consensus, and instead prioritize the well-being of all young people, regardless of their gender identity or sex characteristics by ensuring access to affirming and supportive care essential for healthy development.