A major healthcare provider is facing sharp criticism from local LGBTQ+ Organizations in Centre County.
Penn State Health confirmed it will no longer provide Gender Affirming Care to those under the age 19, a decision made after an executive order from the Trump Administration.
Our Michael Mirville has more on the impacts this move could have on transgender youth
Penn State Health has officially changed its policy regarding Gender Affirming care, and will no longer treat patients for this care under 19.
For Centre County Advocacy Group, Centre LGBTQ+, they say the policy change could be devastating for trans youth across the state.
The change comes after a new executive order from President Trump called, “protecting children from chemical and surgical mutilation”, giving the Federal Government more authority to prevent Gender Affirming care to Americans
under 19.
Before this executive order, Penn State health did not offer this kind of care to minors under 18 years old.
In a statement released by Penn State Health, they say quote ‘Penn State Health is committed to providing care for transgender and gender diverse people in a supportive and safe environment’.
Centre LGBTQ+, a non-profit group that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights, says Gender Affirming care can be life saving for trans youth, and hindering it could have a negative impact.
“This decision will have a profoundly negative impact on the transgender community broadly, including and especially trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive youth.”
Centre LGBTQ+ officials say trans youth who are able to access gender affirming care are more likely to have significantly reduced rates in depression, and suicidal thoughts.
“Gender Affirming care for all patients, including trans youth, is associated with a significant decrease in depression, a significant decrease in suicide, and a profound increase in overall well-being and more positive health outcomes.”
For one board member at Centre LGBTQ+, she says the overall impact of Penn State Health’s policy change transcends far beyond healthcare access.
“This decision sends a message to trans and non-binary youth that their lives are not valued, that their care is not valued, and they are not welcome within our Communities, our Commonwealth, and our Nation.”
Advocates are pushing Penn State Health to reverse this decision, citing the growing questions over the future of Transgender Youth.
Reporting from Centre County, Michael Mirville.