Since 2021, half of the states have implemented legislative bans that restrict evidence-based treatments for transgender youth. In six states, providing gender-affirming care is now classified as a felony, while eight states have vague legal provisions against medical providers that assist trans youth. These bans along with the hostile climate against trans people has led many youth to either withdraw themselves from society or hide their trans identity from their peers. As a result, there has been higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicide amongst transgender youth. In this Human Rights Watch report, there are calls for lawmakers to repeal these bans, ensure access to care, and protect transgender youth and their families so they can live safely and with dignity.
Compiled from: “US: Bans on Gender-Affirming Care Harm Trans Youth,” Human Rights Watch, June 3, 2025.