AAMC Joins Amicus Brief Opposing Ban on Gender-Affirming Medical Care

The AAMC joined the American Academy of Pediatrics and more than 20 other medical organizations in an appellate amicus brief (PDF) focused on ensuring that all adolescents, including those with gender dysphoria, receive the optimal medical and mental health care they need. 

The AAMC joined an amicus brief filed in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals on Sept. 26, urging the court to affirm the lower court’s injunction in PFLAG v. Trump. The case involves an executive order that directed federal agencies to end federal support for gender-affirming medical care for people under nineteen [refer to Washington Highlights, Jan. 31].  

The brief provides background on gender identity and gender dysphoria. It reviews the professionally accepted medical guidelines for treating adolescents with gender dysphoria, the scientifically rigorous process by which the guidelines were developed, and the evidence that gender-affirming care is effective and saves lives. The brief also addresses several misconceptions about gender-affirming medical care for adolescents. Because the brief focuses primarily on adolescents, it does not discuss surgeries that are typically available to transgender adults. 

The AAMC joined other groups in a similar appellate amicus brief filed in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals [refer to Washington Highlights, Sept. 26].