The Florida Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

On November 4, 2022, the Florida Board of Medicine and the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine approved a ban on gender-affirming care for minors, including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and transgender surgeries. This decision, supported by Governor Ron DeSantis, has been met with criticism and denouncement from various organizations.

Violation of Doctor-Patient Rights

Physicians found to have violated this ban could have their medical license revoked by the state of Florida. This decision goes against the doctor-patient right to privacy, guaranteed by the state's constitution, and the legal right to doctor-patient confidentiality.

Non-Evidence-Based Decision

The ban on gender-affirming care for minors in Florida is not based on evidence-based findings from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In fact, HHS states that attempts to block parents from making critical healthcare decisions for their children negatively impact the health and well-being of transgender and gender nonconforming youth.

Transgender Community's Fight Against Oppression

SisterLove, along with other organizations, stands with the transgender community in their fight against this and similar decisions across the country. These actions are seen as forms of oppression, and states should leave body-affirming treatments in the hands of the treating physicians, the family, and the minor.

Support for Health Equity

In contrast to Florida's decision, Johnson & Johnson has expanded its commitment to advance health equity in the United States by supporting over 100 community-led organizations in marginalized communities. This includes providing resources and tools to advance accessible and quality healthcare.

Victory in Georgia

In Georgia, advocates have successfully stalled anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, including the "Hunt for Immigrants" bill, which would make it legal to discriminate and deport minorities. This victory shows the power of advocacy and standing up against discrimination.