As debates intensify globally over the accessibility of gender-affirming care for minors, a groundbreaking study sheds light on the rarity of such interventions in the United States. Published in a leading pediatric journal, the research reveals that fewer than 0.1% of U.S. minors aged 8 to 17 with private insurance receive gender-affirming medications, including puberty blockers and hormones.
The study analyzed data from over 5 million young patients between 2018 and 2022. Notably, no transgender individuals under 12 were prescribed gender-affirming hormones during this period. Experts suggest that structural barriers and societal stigma continue to restrict access to essential care for transgender and gender-diverse youth, even among those with private insurance coverage.
“It’s important for the public to understand that access to gender-affirming care is far from widespread,” stated Landon Hughes, lead author of the study and a fellow at Harvard University. “Despite dominating public discourse, the reality is that a very small number of youth receive this care, reflecting broader systemic challenges.”
The Challenges of Access and Social Impact
The study also highlights disparities in care, noting that trans minors assigned female at birth were more likely to receive puberty blockers or hormones than their counterparts assigned male. This difference is attributed to the earlier onset of puberty for those assigned female at birth. Experts emphasize that these treatments provide crucial time for individuals experiencing gender dysphoria to make informed decisions about their futures.
While major U.S. medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, endorse gender-affirming care as medically necessary, the current climate of political and legal restrictions complicates access further. In over two dozen states, legislation has sought to limit or ban such care for minors, with ongoing cases reaching the Supreme Court. These developments amplify concerns about the impact on the LGBTQ community, particularly its youth.
Dr. Alex Keuroghlian, a prominent LGBTQ health advocate, underscores that the limited access to care is not merely a reflection of demand but also of pervasive bias and systemic barriers. “Even in privileged communities, the hurdles at family, institutional, and legislative levels often prevent minors from receiving the care they need,” Keuroghlian noted.
A Global Perspective and Its Implications
The U.S. is not alone in these challenges. In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service recently halted new prescriptions for puberty blockers for minors, citing weak medical evidence. These decisions reflect a broader trend of skepticism toward transition-related care, which many argue exacerbates the vulnerabilities of the LGBTQ community.
For minors seeking gender-affirming care, the path remains fraught with obstacles. This study serves as a stark reminder of the disparities in access and the urgent need to prioritize inclusive healthcare policies. As legal battles continue and societal perceptions evolve, ensuring equitable care for all youth must remain a priority.
