Support Evidence-Based Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Youth

I am writing to urge you to support access to evidence-based gender-affirming care for transgender youth and to oppose any legislation that would restrict this medically necessary treatment. The American Psychological Association recently reaffirmed its unwavering support for transgender healthcare, stating that "APA continues to support unobstructed access to evidence-based care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals of all ages." This position, established through a 2024 policy statement passed overwhelmingly by a vote of 153 to 9, represents the consensus of an organization with 157,000 members. Each voter represented a large subset of the membership, making this one of the most significant supportive stances by any medical organization for gender-affirming care. The APA's policy is clear and comprehensive. It declares that gender-affirming medical care is medically necessary, opposes bans on such care, and emphasizes that being transgender is not caused by autism or post-traumatic stress. Critically, the organization notes that rejection of a trans youth's gender identity can increase suicide risk and harm psychological wellbeing. These are not political positions but medical conclusions based on evidence and clinical practice. Despite coordinated pressure campaigns and attempts to mischaracterize the organization's stance, the APA has not retreated from its position. The organization clarified that standard psychological assessments of the whole person do not suggest that conditions like depression or anxiety cause gender dysphoria, but rather reflect competent clinical practice that considers each individual's unique circumstances. Medical experts have not changed their position because the evidence supports gender-affirming care as the best treatment for transgender individuals. I urge you to stand with the medical community and protect access to this essential healthcare for transgender youth in our state. Denying evidence-based care puts vulnerable young people at risk and contradicts established medical consensus.