Thread by @EngagingVoices

We have been in House Jud and Rules since 1:30 PM to testify against #HB465, and at 6:30 @mone_miller testified on our behalf. #idleg

Reasons we oppose below:

In section 3(a) of this bill, it states that surgery is never necessary for a child if it is for the sole purpose

of attempting to change or affirm the child’s perception of their sex. In our opinion, it is unethical, and it poses equal protection issues for doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies to discriminate against transgender people and to exclude transition-related care.
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It is a human right that everyone receives the medical care that they need, including transgender youth. Even further, it is extremely inappropriate and unreasonable to punish medical professionals with a felony and life in prison for treating transgender minors and
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for providing gender-affirming care when it would be discriminatory not to do so.

In addition, there are severe negative consequences for youth who do not receive gender-affirming care. This can include psychological trauma such as depression, anxiety, and
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suicidal tendencies due to not receiving proper gender-affirming care. Idaho has a high rate of suicide among youth with about 22% having seriously considering attempting suicide and about 10% attempting suicide according to the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey.
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There is also an increased risk of poverty, homelessness, and violence in addition to poor physical and mental health outcomes. As an organization that greatly cares about young people and families, the Idaho Coalition believes this bill would increase these risks among
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transgender youth. Community health and the health of our young people is important and invaluable across the state. This bill conflicts with the collective health and safety of our young people.

Lastly, we must prioritize the autonomy of the individual, especially when
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it comes to decisions about one’s body. We find it deeply concerning that the Idaho legislature and government would be involved in one’s personal decisions regarding the body, including affirming a child’s perception of their gender. This is a deeply personal
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and private matter that should be reserved for the minor involved and a medical professional and not the Idaho government. Gender-affirming care can help our youth and save lives, and this bill would do neither of those things for our young people.

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In conclusion, this is clearly anti-transgender youth legislation and it is extremely harmful to the transgender community.

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