World’s largest psych organisation says ‘damaging’ gender affirming care bans are wrong
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The American Psychological Association (APA) has taken a firm stance against gender-affirming care bans, labeling them as damaging and wrong. In a recent resolution passed by an overwhelming vote of 153-9, the APA declared its full support for gender-affirming healthcare, including for trans youth, and expressed strong opposition to any bans on this vital medical practice.
The policy adopted by the APA emphasizes the importance of evidence-based care and highlights the detrimental effects of spreading misinformation about gender-affirming care for transgender individuals. According to the APA, such misinformation can lead to unfounded narratives that mischaracterize gender dysphoria and affirming care, ultimately resulting in further stigmatization of the transgender community.
Furthermore, the APA resolution underscores the distress and confusion that misinformation can cause for families and loved ones of transgender, gender-diverse, and non-binary individuals. The primary goal of the policy is to encourage psychologists to unite in their support for access to psychological and all appropriate healthcare services and treatment for these marginalized groups.
The APA also recognizes the significant psychological harm that gender-based bias and mistreatment can inflict on transgender individuals, increasing their risk of suicide and self-harm. Psychologists play a crucial role in facilitating access to treatment for trans people and must base their practices on scientific findings and advances rather than misinformation.
Cynthia de las Fuentes, the president of the APA, emphasized that the adoption of this resolution reaffirms the organization’s dedication to promoting inclusivity. She stated that state bans on gender-affirming care disregard the extensive body of medical and psychological research supporting the positive impact of such treatments in alleviating psychological distress and improving overall well-being for transgender, gender diverse, and non-binary individuals.
The APA’s stance comes at a critical time when anti-LGBTQ+ bills are on the rise in the US. Data collected by various sources, including the American Civil Liberties Union and community activists, indicates that hundreds of pieces of legislation targeting the queer community have been filed across state legislatures. The APA’s policy reflects its commitment to promoting social justice and equity in healthcare by advocating for access to evidence-based health care as a fundamental right for everyone.
In addition, the APA recognizes the essential role and rights of parents and caregivers in ensuring the well-being of children and adolescents while honoring their expressed gender identity. As the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, the APA has a history of issuing policy statements on matters of social importance, including abortion, human rights, mental health rights, “conversion therapy,” and gender equality.
Overall, the APA’s unequivocal support for gender-affirming care and condemnation of bans on this critical medical practice sends a clear message about the importance of evidence-based care for transgender individuals. By standing against misinformation and advocating for inclusivity in healthcare, the APA is taking a significant step towards promoting social justice and equity for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
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Gender-affirming care
