Legislation on Gender Transitions for Young People
Legislators in at least two U.S. states are using a recent decision in England to restrict gender transitions for young people as support for their own proposals. However, leading health organizations in the U.S. and Europe still endorse gender-affirming care for transgender youths and adults.
Key Points
- Restrictions on hormone therapy tend to single out transgender youths, even though other young people can benefit from them.
- Puberty blockers can be an early step in gender transitions for youths until they are old enough to decide on more permanent treatments.
Pros
- Leading health organizations in the U.S. and Europe endorse gender-affirming care for transgender youths and adults.
Cons
- Legislators in at least 23 U.S. states have tightened or removed access to transgender health care for minors.
- Some U.S. lawmakers are using the recent decision in England to restrict gender transitions for young people as support for their own related proposals.