# The Essential Function of Physicians in Delivering Gender-Affirming Care

## Recognizing the Importance of Gender-Affirming Health Care

LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those who are transgender, intersex, and non-binary, have faced enduring systemic obstacles to accessing health care, such as discrimination, economic disadvantages, and inadequate insurance coverage. These difficulties have only escalated in recent years, placing transgender individuals—particularly youth—at significant risk. Physicians are increasingly encountering pressure from both governmental and societal sources, hindering their capacity to deliver critical, evidence-based, gender-affirming care.

The medical field is guided by the ethical standard of **non-maleficence—first, do no harm**. However, restrictions on gender-affirming care stand in direct opposition to this standard by withholding treatment known to greatly enhance mental health and well-being while reducing suicide risk for transgender patients. The current legislative landscape in many regions compels medical professionals to face a challenging decision: provide vital care and risk legal or professional repercussions or comply with restrictive laws and neglect their patients’ needs.

## The Empirical Foundation of Gender-Affirming Care

A person’s **gender identity is inherent**, not a “choice” or a transient phase. For transgender individuals, their personal sense of identity does not correspond with the sex assigned at birth. Ignoring this reality results in substantial psychological distress, as evidenced by elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among transgender individuals.

Research indicates that **access to affirming medical services—including hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and sometimes surgical procedures—significantly enhances mental health outcomes** for transgender youth and adults. Numerous studies have demonstrated that gender-affirming care can alleviate depression and prevent suicide attempts. Sadly, widespread misinformation continues to distort these treatments, contributing to negative policies that hinder access to lifesaving care.

Medical bodies such as the **American Medical Association (AMA)** and the **American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)** have ardently supported gender-affirming care, grounded in substantial evidence underscoring its beneficial effects. Contrary to prevalent myths, gender-affirming interventions for youth do not entail drastic or permanent measures. Puberty blockers, for example, are **reversible** and allow a young person to navigate their gender identity before making irreversible choices.

## The Ethical and Professional Duty of Physicians

Healthcare professionals dedicate their lives to **prioritizing patient welfare, providing ethical, evidence-based treatment, and advocating for measures that enable the best possible care**. The growing number of legal restrictions on gender-affirming care jeopardizes this commitment, compelling many physicians to choose between adhering to the Hippocratic Oath and conforming to detrimental regulations.

The discrimination against transgender individuals has become alarmingly pronounced, with **increasing levels of bias in healthcare environments**. This animosity and lack of medical access further exacerbate higher rates of substance abuse, mental health issues, and suicide. **Physicians must actively advocate** against legislation that endangers transgender patients.

## The Strength of Unified Action

Historically, physicians have significantly contributed to the promotion of human rights via advocacy, education, and policy reform. With over **one million licensed physicians in the U.S.**, alongside nurses, therapists, social workers, and medical researchers, they possess an extraordinary **capacity to influence healthcare policies and safeguard their patients**.

To counter harmful regulations, the medical community needs to:

1. **Advocate Publicly** – Healthcare professionals must leverage their expertise to dismantle misinformation and support transgender health rights within medical entities and public discussions.
2. **Enhance Institutional Support** – Hospitals, academic institutions, and medical boards should take firmer stances in favor of gender-affirming care and shield their practitioners from political and legal pressures.
3. **Engage in Legal Advocacy** – Partnering with civil rights organizations, such as the **ACLU**, can aid in contesting discriminatory health laws and defending the rights of patients and medical freedom for physicians.
4. **Explore Alternative Funding Sources** – Decreasing dependence on government funds might enable medical entities to uphold comprehensive healthcare access without being hindered by state or federal limitations.

## Final Thoughts

Transgender individuals, particularly youth, are **not requesting special privileges—only the right to receive the same evidence-supported, compassionate medical treatment as their peers**. Gender-affirming care is well-established as safe, effective, and, above all, **vital**. Physicians must **defy attempts at silencing** them due to politically charged misinformation and advocate for their ability to practice medicine ethically and in alignment with scientific research.

In a time when marginalized groups face denial of vital healthcare, doctors must reclaim their voices and assert that their expertise—not political motives—should direct medical care. Ensuring transgender health care is not only a professional responsibility but also a societal imperative.

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Written in response to a heartfelt call to action by **Dr. Amy Philipp**.