As the debate over gender-affirming care for transgender youth rages on across America, at least 31 states are considering or have introduced bills to restrict access to medical care for trans minors. Six states – Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, South Dakota, and Utah – have already passed laws or policies that prevent gender-affirming care for those under the age of legal majority. In many of these states, bills have been introduced that criminalize medical procedures for trans youth.
While supporters of these bans argue that young people should wait until they are older to make decisions about their medical care, several major medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Public Health Association, say that gender-affirming care is safe and effective. Research in JAMA Surgery has shown that this care can be life-saving for trans and nonbinary children and adolescents, promoting positive mental and physical health and well-being.
In contrast, opponents argue that the bans put the health and survival of trans youth at risk. The Human Rights Campaign reports that in 2023, a record 321 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced or debated, surpassing the previous year’s record of 315. However, 91% of these efforts failed.
In some states, legislators have made strides in protecting access to care for transgender people. In Alaska, gender-affirming care is covered under Medicaid, while in California, lawmakers have introduced a bill that would require insurers to cover these procedures. Despite these positive developments, the battle over gender-affirming care for trans youth continues to be a contentious issue in America.
