H520/H668 - Denying Public Funding for Gender Affirming Care

The nation’s leading health organizations support gender-affirming care— including but not limited to the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Endocrine Society, Pediatric Endocrine Society

• Many families of trans and gender diverse youth rely on Medicaid to cover their children’s
healthcare. Regardless of the status of HB71, this is another method to deny those children
evidence-based healthcare.

• This law would apply to all ages. Transgender youth will still need healthcare when they are
adults and should look toward a future where they can get the care they need.

• Erasing transgender adults is one way to discourage youth from coming out. If transgender
youth don’t see a viable way to live life as a transgender person, then they will hide their
identity and this will worsen mental health outcomes in youth.

• It is a fact that youth in Idaho have personally reported an increase in hate, bullying and fear
they are experiencing in part due to the confusion and misunderstanding perpetuated in recent
legislative bills. In a 2021 study by the Trevor Project, 85% of trans youth reported that the
public debates around their civil rights and their place in society left them scared, stressed,
angry, and hopeless.

• A decision regarding prior legislation around Gender Affirming Care is currently in the judicial
system. Passing a law related to Gender Affirming Care at this time without knowing the
pending decision is unproductive.