Utah Lawmakers Review Gender-Affirming Care Findings as Ban Continues
Salt Lake City, UT – Nearly 2½ years after the implementation of Utah’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, lawmakers have received a comprehensive report from health care experts. The more than 1,000-page analysis concluded that gender-affirming care leads to "positive mental health and psychosocial functioning outcomes." Despite these findings, some lawmakers, including Rep. Katy Hall and Rep. Bridger Bolinder, have dismissed the report, emphasizing their stance that "the science isn’t there" and stating that the public supports maintaining the moratorium.
The report, prepared by the Drug Regimen Review Center at the University of Utah, found that youth seen at gender clinics before age 18 had a lower suicide risk compared to those who sought help as adults. However, lawmakers have expressed concern about potential risks, including an increase in specific benign brain tumors. Senate President Stuart Adams reiterated the importance of child safety, emphasizing the need for careful examination of medical treatments for minors.
Critics within the Legislature, including Minority leaders Rep. Angela Romero and Sen. Luz Escamilla, argue for a more thorough review of the report and advocate for public inclusion in discussions about the future of the ban.
The law prohibits gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies for minors, putting healthcare providers at risk of losing licenses or facing criminal charges for violations. Activist organizations, such as the ACLU and the National Center for Lesbian Rights, have previously indicated intentions to litigate against the restrictions, although no lawsuit has been filed as of yet.
As the political debate continues, the future of gender-affirming care for Utah youth remains uncertain, amid growing concerns for their mental health and well-being.
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