Like any parent, I've spent a lot of time at the doctor's office over the years. From routine annual exams to (thankfully fewer) urgent care situations, I know my way around the clinic. My wife and I have had many questions and great conversations with our doctors regarding the best care for our family.
But you know who's never been a part of these conversations? Our legislators.
Medical decisions should be made between patients (and their parents) and their doctors – not politicians.
But that's not what some of our elected officials think.
Senate File 144 would prohibit doctors from providing life-saving gender-affirming care to transgender Wyomingites.
Like all health care, health care for transgender youth is individualized and based on the needs of each particular person. This bill would take away private health care choices around the provision of medical care consistent with prevailing medical and scientific standards. Research shows that providing appropriate care to trans kids improves mental health outcomes, including decreased rates of depression and anxiety, substance use, and suicide attempts.
The truth is, gender-affirming care saves lives. Transgender kids, like all kids, deserve a chance to experience joy, learn in a safe environment, get the health care that they need, and survive into adulthood.
The result of legislation like this won't be that fewer kids grow up to be trans, it will be that fewer kids grow up. It's time to stop the attacks on transgender youth and focus on issues that really matter to the people of Wyoming.
Senate File 144 will be heard as early as this afternoon in the House Appropriations Committee. Will you help me send a message loud and clear to our legislators that Wyomingites oppose Senate File 144?
- Rep. Bob Nicholas, [email protected]
- Rep. Bill Henderson, [email protected]
- Rep. Lloyd Larsen, [email protected]
- Rep. Trey Sherwood, [email protected]
- Rep. Clark Stith, [email protected]
- Rep. Tom Walters, [email protected]
- Rep. David Zwonitzer, [email protected]
Sample email:
Dear representatives,
I urge you to vote no on Senate File 144.
Health care decisions should be made between doctors and patients, not politicians.
That's why I'm so concerned about Senate File 144, legislation that would prohibit doctors from providing life-saving gender-affirming care to transgender Wyomingites. Simply put, the state should not be interfering in the relationship between patients (and their parents) and doctors.
By blocking medical care supported by every major medical association, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, the legislature is compromising the health of trans youth in dangerous and potentially life-threatening ways.
No one should take away private health care choices around the provision of medical care consistent with prevailing medical and scientific standards. Please vote no on Senate File 144.
Sincerely,
[FIRST NAME] [LAST NAME]
