Oppose HB9874: Protect Transgender Youth Healthcare Rights

I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill 9874, which seeks to prohibit gender-related medical treatment for minors and amend Medicare to prevent payment for such treatments. This bill, introduced on September 27, 2024, and currently pending in the Subcommittee on Health, represents a dangerous infringement on the rights of transgender youth and their families to access necessary medical care. HB9874 would criminalize healthcare professionals who provide essential transition-related care to patients under 18, including puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and necessary surgeries. This sweeping ban disregards the well-established medical consensus that gender-affirming care can be life-saving for transgender youth. The bill's provision allowing an exception for "corrective" procedures on intersex traits is particularly concerning, as it seems to prioritize non-consensual alterations over personalized, affirming care. The proposed legislation goes even further by preventing public funds from supporting any organization that provides trans healthcare to minors. This restriction would have far-reaching consequences, potentially cutting off access to a wide range of services for an already vulnerable population. It's crucial to note that this bill, sponsored by Representatives Nancy Mace, Paul Gosar, Debbie Lesko, Randy Weber, and Tim Burchett, contradicts the recommendations of major medical associations and threatens to criminalize compassionate, evidence-based healthcare. The potential 10-year imprisonment for healthcare providers who offer this care is an extreme measure that would create a chilling effect on medical practice and harm patient care. I urge you to stand against HB9874 and protect the rights of transgender youth to receive appropriate medical care. This bill not only jeopardizes the health and well-being of young trans individuals but also sets a dangerous precedent for government interference in personal medical decisions. Please vote against this bill and any similar measures that seek to restrict access to gender-affirming care for minors.