Access to Gender-Affirming Care Limited for⁣ transgender Youth

‌ Updated June 19, 2025
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About 40% of transgender ‍adolescents between 13 and 17 years ⁢old reside in states that have enacted laws or policies restricting access to gender-affirming care. This has sparked concern among⁤ medical and legal⁤ experts‌ about the ‍potential harm to ⁤transgender youth.

Lawrence O. Gostin,director of the O’Neill Institute for National and ⁢Global Health at Georgetown University,said ⁤transgender youth in much of the country may face increased stigmatization,discrimination and mental distress. ‌He added that a recent Supreme Court⁣ ruling could​ signal a turning​ point where courts are less ​willing ‍to support sexual and other‍ minorities, potentially ​leading to further ⁣restrictions on essential​ services, ⁣especially in sexual and ​reproductive health.

Michele Bratcher Goodwin, co-faculty⁣ director at the O’Neill‌ Institute, noted that gender-affirming⁢ care ‍for youth has existed for decades, and states have⁣ historically embraced such care⁤ for cisgender youth.

Arthur L. Caplan, a professor of medical ethics at NYU Grossman⁣ School of Medicine, called ​the recent legal decision a setback. He said ​that gender dysphoria is a real and common phenomenon, and puberty blockers and other transition-related drugs are important tools. Caplan added that some adolescents aged 14 ⁢and older are mature enough to participate in these medical decisions, similar to decisions about pregnancy⁤ and contraception.

Susan J. Kressly, ‍president of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP),⁤ said the ruling does not explicitly ban‌ gender-affirming care, but upholds a state’s ability to do so. she emphasized that ⁢the decision does not address the science​ or medical necessity of such care. Kressly⁣ added that‍ gender-affirming care is medically necessary for treating gender ⁤dysphoria ⁢and is supported by extensive research⁣ and scientific consensus. She also noted that ‌gender-affirming care ⁤is​ frequently enough⁣ mischaracterized as primarily involving ​hormonal and surgical ​interventions, while studies show that very few adolescents receive gender-affirming‍ care surgeries.

Kressly said denying access⁣ to this care ‍undermines the health, safety and dignity of patients, and sets a dangerous precedent for⁤ legislative⁢ interference ⁤in medical‌ practice.

The Endocrine ​Society,​ along with ​other ​medical organizations including ⁢the ​ACP, ⁤AAP, and the American ‌College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, released a joint statement affirming ⁢that ⁤all⁢ patients should have ⁣access to necessary ‌medical care. They emphasized that health care professionals should be able to rely ⁣on their expertise to ​provide appropriate care based on the needs and values of each ​patient and their family,without bans or interference.

‌ “In⁣ much of the country, transgender youth ​will find themselves stigmatized, discriminated ⁣against and mentally​ distraught,” Lawrence O. ⁣Gostin, of ⁤Georgetown University, said.
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‌ ​“That is, these‍ states have tolerated and ⁢embraced gender-affirming care for cisgender youth,” Michele Bratcher Goodwin, of the O’Neill Institute, ‌said.
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What’s ⁤next

The ongoing debate and ‌legal challenges surrounding gender-affirming ⁢care are expected to continue, with potential impacts on access‍ to care and‌ the well-being of transgender⁢ youth across the United States.