The AAMC joined the American Academy of Pediatrics and more than 20 other organizations in an Oct. 9 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 amicus brief, filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit, urged an affirmance of a district court’s permanent injunction in Doe v. Surgeon General, State of Florida, a case challenging rules created by the Florida Board of Medicine and the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine prohibiting health care providers from providing patients under 18 with medically necessary care for gender dysphoria.
The amicus brief provided background on gender identity, gender dysphoria, and evidence-based, gender-affirming care (other than surgery, which is typically available to transgender adults). It detailed 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. The brief also highlighted research demonstrating that adolescents with gender dysphoria who receive puberty blockers and/or hormone therapy experience less depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation.
- Washington Highlights