FACT BRIEFHave four major medical associations stated that gender-affirming care saves lives?
YES
Four major medical groups support gender-affirming care for transgender youths, each citing research indicating the treatment can reduce the risk of suicide.
The American Academy of Pediatrics in August 2023 said transgender youth should have access to gender-affirming care.
The American Psychological Association in July asked congressional leaders to oppose bans on the care.
The American Medical Association in June supported protecting access to gender-affirming care.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in March 2022 opposed state restrictions on the care for youths.
Republican Wisconsin state lawmakers released a bill Sept. 27 to ban gender-affirming treatment for minors.
An April 2023 article in a peer-reviewed medical journal said it is “reasonably well established" that puberty blockers are "not accompanied by serious adverse effects.”
But “there is a need for research into the capacity of” youths “to understand the implications of the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones.”
This Fact Brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Adolescents
Endocrine Society AMA strengthens its policy on protecting access to gender-affirming care
American Medical Association Protecting Access to Gender Affirming Care
Voter Voice Letter to congressional leaders
WisPolitics Rep. Allen: Releases the ‘Help Not Harm Act’
BJPsych Bulletin Transgender children and young people: how the evidence can point the way forward
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