Bill would protect trans youth and their family's ability to access comprehensive, gender-affirming health care
St. Paul, MN — Today, the Minnesota House passed a Trans Refuge Bill which would protect access to gender-affirming care in Minnesota. This comes as governors in other states in the region sign harmful gender-affirming care bans into law. As of March 2023, Iowa and South Dakota have banned gender-affirming care for youth, while North Dakota and Nebraska legislatures are considering similar legislation.
Gender-affirming care is just that – affirming – and supportive of the patient’s goals. Each youth and family, together with their care team, choose the options that are appropriate for that individual patient’s goals and values.
Transgender and gender non-conforming adolescents experience social stigma, discrimination, and physical and sexual violence that is associated with significant health disparities including increased rates of substance use, risk-taking behavior, and a two to three-fold increased risk of depression and suicidality. Comprehensive, gender-affirming care, and supportive social and family environments leads to health outcomes for gender diverse teens that are similar to their cisgender peers. Gender-affirming care is health care that supports children, youth, and adults in being their full selves and it is supported by all major health care organizations.
Statement from Dr. Nicole Chaisson, Associate Medical Director at Planned Parenthood North Central States:
“Today, the Minnesota House took a critical step to protect trans youth and their families. Gender transition is a deeply personal process and how someone transitions is their choice. When I work with gender-expansive youth and their families, I am proud to be in the room providing the best medical care possible that honors and respects their lived experience. Gender-expansive youth and their families deserve support and access to all medical options. To all the transgender youth in Minnesota and across the upper Midwest – we see you. You are loved. Your rights and autonomy matter.”
###
Founded in 1992, the Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization. As the advocacy and electoral arm of PPMNS, we mobilize supporters of all parties to defend and increase access to family planning services and fact based, medically accurate sexuality education. We work to inspire and engage citizens to take up the cause of reproductive health and rights through education, electoral activity, grassroots organizing and legislative advocacy.
Visit us at www.plannedparenthoodadvocate.org
Tags: