White House press secretary Jen Psaki has offered support for childhood gender transitions, stating last Thursday that “every major medical association agrees that gender-affirming healthcare … is a best practice and potentially lifesaving.” She suggested that implementing bills preventing access to care may violate federal law.
The narrative that affirmation is the best approach for young people questioning their gender is echoed in two recent documents from the Department of Health and Human Services. Support for gender-affirming treatments, including hormonal therapy and “top” and “bottom” surgery, are presented as ways to reduce suicidal ideation and mental health problems associated with gender distress.
Several states are in the process of considering or implementing laws that criminalize transitioning procedures on minors. Alabama approved legislation last week outlawing hormonal and surgical interventions for gender dysphoric youth, and Texas will investigate cases of children transitioning as “abuse.”
