Bans on Health Care for Trans Youth

In both 2022 and 2023, there were unprecedented waves of state bills targeting trans young people. In 2022, most of the bills that passed limited the ability of these youth to participate in athletics along with their classmates in their lived gender, resulting in segregation and isolation. In 2023, unfortunately, this legislative hatred targeting trans youth took an even darker turn, with 19 states passing laws preventing trans youth from receiving appropriate and medically necessary health care.

Displaying a fundamental lack of understanding of trans youth, these medical bans prevent youth from accessing the standards of necessary medical care that are backed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and other leading health authorities. Some of these bills go so far as to threaten parents with prosecution if they help their child receive the medical care recommended by the child’s doctor. Others would strip doctors of their licenses or even jail them for providing this care. When lawmakers prohibit medical care based on their beliefs, they risk the safety of others and undermine their religious freedom. No one should have authority to put their religious beliefs before the health and well-being of others.

Sadly, these laws put families of trans youth in a very difficult situation. Many families have had to flee these states in order to obtain appropriate health care for their trans children. While some are able to access care in nearby states, and many of these laws are currently being challenged in court, too many youth have lost care altogether.