In a significant move, the American Medical Association (AMA) has reinforced its stance in favor of comprehensive care for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. During the annual meeting of the AMA’s House of Delegates in Chicago, the resolution put forth by the Endocrine Society received overwhelming support. This development further solidifies the medical community’s commitment to protecting access to gender-affirming care.
The resolution passed by the AMA emphasizes the opposition to any criminal or legal penalties targeting patients seeking gender-affirming care, as well as their supportive family members or guardians. It also extends this opposition to health care facilities and clinicians providing such care. In line with this commitment, the AMA vows to collaborate with federal and state legislators and regulators to challenge any policies that restrict access to gender-affirming care.
Multiple esteemed medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Urological Association, joined forces with the AMA to cosponsor the resolution. This collective effort showcases the united front within the medical community to safeguard the rights and well-being of transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
The AMA’s dedication to gender-affirming care is not new, with a longstanding history of supporting insurance coverage for procedures such as hormone treatment, puberty blockers for young individuals, and surgery. However, the association acknowledges the importance of delaying genital surgery until patients reach the age of 18, aligning with the consensus among medical professionals.
Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of gender-affirming care, right-wing politicians have escalated their attacks on these vital services, often labeling them as experimental and unproven. However, the Endocrine Society’s Clinical Practice Guideline cites over 260 studies since 1975, underscoring the robust body of research supporting gender-affirming care.
Unfortunately, 20 states in the U.S. have enacted laws that severely restrict or outright ban gender-affirming care for minors, with some limitations also affecting certain adults, including those covered by Medicaid. Alarming still, five states have criminalized the provision of this care. At the federal level, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene reintroduced a bill that criminalizes the delivery of gender-affirming care to minors. These regressive measures hinder access to vital medical support for transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
The importance of gender-affirming care cannot be overstated. Numerous studies have demonstrated its life-saving impact. For example, a 2020 study revealed that trans adults who received puberty blockers during their youth exhibited a lower likelihood of lifetime suicidal ideation compared to those who were unable to access this treatment. Another recent study highlighted how hormone treatment administered during adolescence significantly reduces the risk of suicide attempts.
While progress has been made to protect access to gender-affirming treatment in certain states and cities, challenges persist. The recent decision by the United Kingdom’s National Health Service to limit the use of puberty blockers to clinical trials drew criticism from LGBTQ+ activists, highlighting the ongoing struggle for comprehensive care worldwide.
The American Medical Association’s resolute support for gender-affirming care reinforces the imperative of protecting the rights and well-being of transgender and gender-diverse individuals. By opposing legal barriers and working in collaboration with policymakers and other organizations, the medical community continues its unwavering commitment to promoting equality and equitable access to vital healthcare services.