Let Doctors Treat Gender Dysphoria, Not Legislators

Gender dysphoria is a recognized diagnosis, and decisions about treating it belong with patients, families, and doctors.

A letter to your members of Congress. Facts checked September 25, 2026.

The explainer behind this letter Gender Dysphoria The medical diagnosis, and how it differs from being transgender

The Letter

Subject Let doctors treat gender dysphoria, not legislators

Gender dysphoria is a recognized diagnosis in the DSM-5-TR, the manual American clinicians use. It names the distress a person feels when their gender does not match the sex they were assigned at birth. Decisions about treating it belong with patients, families, and their doctors.

Federal policy is moving those decisions out of the exam room. A Medicaid and CHIP rule takes effect October 13, 2026, ending federal payment for this care for patients under 18 in Medicaid and under 19 in CHIP. Twenty-four state bans are already in force.

In a 2022 study of 104 young people, those who started puberty blockers or hormones had 73% lower odds of suicidal thoughts over one year. The evidence has limits, and doctors should weigh them with each family.

I'm asking you to oppose any federal measure that cuts off care a patient's doctor has judged appropriate, starting with the October 13 Medicaid rule. Tell me where you stand.

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Call Your Representative

U.S. Capitol switchboard: (202) 224-3121

I'm a constituent calling about care for gender dysphoria.
A Medicaid and CHIP rule takes effect October 13 that ends federal payment for this care for minors.
I'm asking the senator or representative to oppose any federal measure that cuts off care a patient's doctor has judged appropriate, starting with that rule.
Please tell me where they stand. Thank you.

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The Facts Behind the Ask

DSM-5-TR Gender dysphoria is a recognized diagnosis in the American Psychiatric Association's manual (source)
Oct. 13, 2026 A final rule ends federal Medicaid and CHIP payment for this care for minors (source)
24 of 27 State bans on care for minors in force; courts blocked Kansas and Montana (source)
73% Lower odds of suicidal thoughts after a year of blockers or hormones, in 104 youths (Tordoff et al., 2022) (source)

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