Prevent Child Abuse America is dedicated to ensuring all children, families and communities live in safe, stable, supportive, nurturing environments that are equitable, inclusive, fair, free of violence and the threat of violence. PCA America actively works to strengthen the foundations of love, safety and support that enable all our nation’s children to thrive and succeed.
In response to increased hate, threats and violence, and over 500 pieces of legislation in over 40 states, directed towards the LGBTQ+ community, the Human Rights Campaign officially declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the US. This includes LGBTQ+ children and families.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that gender minority high school students attempt suicide at a rate four times higher than heterosexual students. Compared to their straight peers, LGBTQ+ youth report having more adverse childhood experiences (ACES) – risk factors including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, household mental illness and substance abuse – putting them at higher risk for poor physical and mental health throughout their lifetime.
Research indicates that those numbers are even higher for transgender youth. In addition, the Administration for Children and Families reports that youth who identify as LGBTQ+ are overrepresented in the child welfare system and face additional challenges when interacting with child welfare.
PCA America opposes legislation that would deny healthcare access to any child regardless of gender identity. Providing necessary and adequate medical care to a child is not abuse. Transgender and non-binary children need access to age appropriate, individualized medical care. As such, developing and delivering evidence-based medical care for transgender and gender diverse child includes many considerations.
We believe pediatricians and other physicians, in partnership with families and other health care professionals, are best able to determine the necessary, comprehensive, gender-affirming and developmentally appropriate healthcare in a safe and inclusive physical space. Every major professional health organization, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, the Endocrine Society, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recognize the importance of providing all youth with access to comprehensive, gender-affirming, and developmentally appropriate healthcare in a safe and inclusive clinical space.
Let’s listen to the professionals and to families, and educate ourselves and each other. Please contact your legislators to let them know you support all children and families, and believe in supporting all communities through a lens of equity, inclusion and fairness.
