The Biden administration has recently clarified its position on gender-affirming care for trans youth following widespread criticism. The controversy arose after the administration appeared to limit gender-affirming surgeries to adults, raising concerns about potential restrictions on other forms of trans healthcare, such as puberty blockers.
In a letter to Human Rights Campaign president Kelley Robinson, Domestic Policy Council director Neera Tanden reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to fighting state and national bans on gender-affirming care. Tanden emphasized that these decisions should be made by families and doctors, not politicians, while maintaining that gender-affirming surgeries are generally reserved for adults.
Despite this clarification, some activists remain concerned that the administration’s stance on surgeries for minors is too restrictive. Erin Reed, an independent journalist, noted that the language used still carries harmful implications. The broader context of trans healthcare in the US is troubling, with 38% of trans youth living in states that ban gender-affirming care for minors, often based on misinformation.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) continues to monitor the legislative landscape, having recorded over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills proposed this year alone, many of which target gender-affirming care. This surge in legislation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the trans community in accessing necessary healthcare.