The American Medical Association (AMA) has strengthened its established position opposing the governmental intrusion into the practice of medicine that is detrimental to the health of transgender & gender-diverse children & adults. With legislatures in 20 states this year attempting to ban physicians & other healthcare professionals from providing medically necessary gender-affirming care to transgender & gender-diverse youth the AMA’s House of Delegates voted to meaningfully expand the organization’s strong opposition to undue restrictions on medical care to populations that have been politicized in state legislatures. AMA Board Member Michael Suk, MD, JD, MPH, MBA
stated, “The AMA opposes the dangerous intrusion of government into the practice of medicine & the criminalization of health care decision-making. Gender-affirming care is medically-necessary, evidence-based care that improves the physical & mental health of transgender & gender-diverse people.” The AMA delivered a letter to the National Governors Association in April urging its members to oppose legislative dictates that inappropriately limit the range of options physicians & families may consider when making decisions for gender-diverse pediatric patients. The letter cited evidence demonstrating that forgoing gender-affirming care can have tragic consequences for transgender individuals who face increased risk of anxiety, stress, substance use disorder & suicide. The majority of transgender & diverse-gender patients report improved mental health & lower rates of suicide after receipt of gender-affirming care. The AMA is a strong supporter of human rights & freedoms & will continue to strongly oppose discrimination based on an individual’s sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. AMA will continue to work to ensure transgender & gender-diverse minors have the opportunity to explore their gender identity under the safe & supportive care of a physician.
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