Alabama is the third state in the country — along with Arkansas and Texas — to block or restrict gender-affirming medical care to minors and the first state to officially make it a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Despite medical experts recommending gender-affirming medication for trans minors, conservative lawmakers continue to rail against science, often in the name of personal or religious beliefs.
“The psychological damage and trauma to children, parents, and families as a result of these bans will be severe and last for generations,” said Bethany Cook, PsyD, a child psychologist and member of the LGBTQ community in Chicago.
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Research from 2022 in the Journal of Adolescent Health shows that gender-affirming hormone therapy lowered the risk of depression and suicidality for the 12,000 transgender and nonbinary youth ages 13 to 24 who were surveyed.
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Other research has shown similar positive results.
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“They will not succeed,” [Trevor Project director Sam] Ames said. “To trans and nonbinary youth in Alabama and across the country: This is not over. We will fight as far as it takes until the day every young person knows they are loved, supported, and worthy just as they are.”
