The result is 146,300 transgender youth who have lost or are at risk of losing access to gender-affirming care.
Several bans proposed in 2023 would also limit access to care for those up to age 26.
What Does Gender-Affirming Care Involve?
One aspect of gender-affirming care requires no medical intervention but instead involvestransitioning socially.
These include puberty blockers, gender-affirming hormone therapy, and gender-affirming procedures.
These procedures and so many more are part of the health care of cisgender people, Arayasirikul said.
Yet this same care is actively being criminalized for trans and gender-expansive people solely because they are different.
Can People of All Ages Receive Gender-Affirming Care?
Typically, gender-affirming surgeries are utilized by adults, not children, Arayasirikul said.
Medical interventions always happen after a thorough evaluation of the patients needs, Belkind added.
This reduction in distress and discomfort can have a significant positive impact on mental health and overall well-being.
Gender-affirming care allows individuals to express their gender identity authentically, promoting self-acceptance and improved self-esteem, Minor said.
These social support systems, she said, are critical in combating feelings of isolation and promoting healthy relationships.
There is no one-size-fits-all approachrather, its about what makes sense for one specific individuals needs and well-being.
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