1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

Vote No on AZ SB1687 - Discriminatory Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth I strongly oppose SB1687 which bans gender-affirming care for transgender youth under 18 in Arizona. This cruel legislation denies vital medical treatment to vulnerable minors, goes against established medical guidelines, and violates families' rights to make informed healthcare decisions for their children. Transgender people already face severe discrimination and barriers to care - this law will only exacerbate their suffering. The bill prohibits puberty blockers, hormones, and gender-affirming surgeries for trans youth, even though these treatments are endorsed by major medical associations as safe, effective, and often medically necessary. It makes exceptions only for intersex children needing "corrective" surgeries, perpetuating discriminatory views. Healthcare professionals providing this vital care could face disciplinary action. Moreover, the bill cuts off public funding and tax deductions for gender-affirming care, denying affordable access to both minors and adults on public insurance. Public employees would be barred from providing this care at risk of punishment. This is a severe government overreach that compromises the doctor-patient relationship. I urge you to vote no on SB1687. Transgender youth deserve the same access to appropriate medical care as their cisgender peers based on the accepted standards of care, not unsubstantiated political bias. Their health and wellbeing should be the priority. This discriminatory legislation will only breed more suffering.