Re: HHS Report on Pediatric Gender Dysphoria and the Duty to Uphold Standards of Care
To New Jersey’s Healthcare and Insurance Leaders,
As New Jersey’s leading LGBTQ+ education organization, Garden State Equality works alongside many of you every day to build an inclusive, evidence-based health system that honors the dignity and diversity of all people—especially transgender and gender-diverse youth.
Today, we write with deep concern regarding the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Population Affairs’ newly released report on the treatment of pediatric gender dysphoria. The report misrepresents the medical consensus, undermines decades of clinical best practice, and threatens the wellbeing of transgender youth across the country.
Let us be clear: the report contradicts the position of all major medical or mental health associations in the United States. The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, Endocrine Society, and American Psychological Association all affirm gender-affirming care as evidence-based, medically necessary, and often lifesaving.
This report is part of a broader, politically motivated campaign to restrict transition-related healthcare under the pretense of public health. It is designed to sow confusion, intimidate providers, and give political cover to discriminatory policies—not to enhance patient safety or clinical outcomes.
We urge all health providers and insurance carriers across New Jersey to continue standing firm in your commitment to trans-inclusive care:
- Do not alter or suspend coverage for transition-related healthcare based on this report.
- Continue following established guidelines from WPATH, AAP, and other leading medical authorities. WPATH remains the global standard still followed by major medical associations.
- Publicly reaffirm your commitment to the health and safety of transgender patients—especially youths, adolescents, and their families navigating these attacks.
Garden State Equality stands ready to provide training, policy guidance, and education to any provider or insurance carrier that seeks to uphold their obligations to trans patients.
In a time when disinformation is being laundered through government agencies, the responsibility to protect evidence-based care falls to courageous providers and principled institutions. We are grateful to partner with so many of you who continue to meet this moment with clarity, compassion, and care.
Sincerely,
Christian Fuscarino
Executive Director
Damien Alan Lopez
Director of Trans Resiliency
Aisling MacDonald
Project Manager & Trainer, Trans Resiliency
Layla Orlando
Director of Health Equity & Wellness