TRENTON, NJ - Last week, the Trump Administration took another step toward limiting access to gender-affirming care—going against public health, science, and justice in the process. By chilling the provision of care, the restrictions proposed by the federal administration will have dire consequences for young people across the country and cause unnecessary suffering and trauma.

Leading medical and public health organizations recognize the spectrum of gender-affirming care as medically necessary to improve outcomes and reduce distress, especially for our transgender community. Limiting access to gender-affirming care does not protect patients. It increases stigma, creates barriers to well-being, and takes away the autonomy of patients and families—along with their health care providers—to make deeply personal health decisions based on evidence, professional judgement, and compassion.

Everyone deserves to live long, healthy lives.