Protect transgender youth's access to gender-affirming care

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (SB4638) This proposed legislation SB4638, which prohibits the use of Tricare funds for gender-affirming medical care for minors, including puberty blockers, surgeries, and hormone replacement therapy, is deeply concerning. Denying access to essential, evidence-based care for transgender youth goes against medical consensus and violates their fundamental rights. Numerous major medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, support gender-affirming care as safe, effective, and medically necessary treatment for transgender minors. Withholding this care can have devastating consequences on the mental health and well-being of these vulnerable young people. I urge you to reconsider this harmful proposal in SB4638 and ensure that all minors, regardless of gender identity, have access to the comprehensive medical care they need and deserve.