President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign targeted transgender individuals, spending significant funds on anti-trans ads. He criticized gender-affirming care for young trans people, calling it “left-wing gender insanity” and “child abuse.” Now, as he prepares to take office, providers of gender-affirming care are bracing for potential changes that could impact trans individuals’ access to proper care.
While the exact policies of the Trump administration remain uncertain, his platform included plans to halt federal funding for gender-affirming care and remove hospitals that provide such care to minors from Medicare and Medicaid. Additionally, Trump expressed intentions to push for legislation recognizing only two genders – male and female – assigned at birth.
Healthcare providers like Meredithe McNamara at Yale are already seeing the impact of the election results on their patients. The Trevor Project reported a significant increase in crisis line utilization following the election, with many callers citing concerns related to the election outcome. Similarly, FOLX, a telehealth platform, noted a rise in inquiries about care access and refills post-election.
In preparation for potential policy changes, providers and hospital systems are advised to enhance patient privacy policies, undergo medical legal training, and collaborate with legal experts familiar with bans on care. McNamara emphasized the importance of being proactive, even in states with progressive policies, as challenges may arise.
Providers like FOLX have demonstrated adaptability in the face of restrictive legislation. In response to Florida’s in-person prescription requirement for gender-affirming hormones, FOLX established physical clinics in the state to ensure continued access to care for trans individuals. This proactive approach helped mitigate the impact of the new law.
Looking ahead, some providers are considering collective resistance as a strategy to protect gender-affirming care. Crystal Beal from QueerDoc advocates for organized resistance within the medical community to uphold evidence-based care despite potential legal hurdles. The goal is to ensure that trans individuals continue to receive the necessary care and support.
Despite political changes, the commitment to providing affirming care remains steadfast. Patrick McGovern from Callen-Lorde highlighted the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community in navigating political shifts to safeguard essential healthcare services. The message is clear: the mission to support trans individuals in accessing life-saving care remains unwavering, regardless of political winds.
