The Endocrine Society expressed major opposition to a rule proposed today by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that would jeopardize transgender individuals’ access to healthcare.
The proposed regulation would weaken the previous administration’s definition of “sex discrimination” to remove protections for gender identity. Patients could be turned away or denied medical care because they are transgender.
The Society worked with 30 other healthcare organizations on a letter to HHS expressing deep concerns with the rule and reiterating its firm stance supporting transgender individuals’ access to care. The Society urges the Department to withdraw the proposal and adopt strategies to focus on better access to health services and improved health outcomes for the millions of LGBTQ people in the United States.
The Endocrine Society calls on policymakers to remember that gender identity has a biological underpinning when making healthcare policy decisions. While there continue to be gaps in knowledge about the optimal care for transgender individuals, the framework for providing care is increasingly well-established as is the recognition of needed policy changes. Medical intervention for transgender individuals is effective and relatively safe, and any interventions prescribed by a physician should be covered by insurance. The Society developed a position statement to further advocate for this issue.
About the Endocrine Society
Endocrinologists are at the core of solving the most pressing health problems of our time, including diabetes, obesity, infertility, bone health, and hormone-related cancers. The Endocrine Society is the largest global organization of scientists devoted to hormone research and physicians who care for people with hormone-related conditions.
With more than 18,000 members in 133 countries, the Society serves as the voice of the endocrine field. Through its renowned journals and ENDO, the world's largest endocrine meeting, the Society accelerates hormone research, advances clinical excellence in endocrinology, and advocates for evidence-based policies on behalf of the global endocrine community. To learn more, visit our online newsroom.
Colleen Williams Associate Director, Communications and Media Relations Phone: (202)-971-3611 [email protected]
Jenni Glenn Gingery Director, Communications and Media Relations Phone: (202)-971-3655 [email protected]
