Transgender youth and their families continue to struggle accessing gender-affirming care despite legal protections in numerous states. As of May 2026, gender-affirming care for minors remains legal in 23 states, with shield laws protecting against prosecution in other states, but around 27 states have enacted laws restricting or banning such care. The legal patchwork has created confusion and gaps even in states where the care is permitted.
The Access Gap
In states like Michigan, where gender-affirming care for minors remains legal as of May 2026, several health systems have nonetheless limited or discontinued certain forms of medical care for minors, including puberty blockers and gender-affirming hormone therapy. This disconnect between legality and availability has left families flooded with disinformation and misinformation. One national study found that more than 1 in 4 transgender youth were living over four hours from the nearest clinic after state legislators enacted restrictions, with many facing even longer travel times. For young people, having to retell their story to a new care team can feel exhausting and traumatizing.
Medical Consensus and Evidence
Gender-affirming care is endorsed by every major medical association, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Endocrine Society. The care is an individualized approach including social support, mental health assessment, and, for some patients, medical treatment. To initiate any medical care, consent from the parent and assent from the patient is required. Access to gender-affirming care has been consistently associated with improved mental health outcomes, including reductions in depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts among transgender youth.
Parental Support as Protective Factor
When medical care becomes inaccessible, research has shown that instability increases a young person’s risk of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. Parental support remains one of the strongest protective factors for mental health and overall well-being. Parents can affirm their child’s gender by using their chosen name and pronouns, allowing them to explore gender expression, and creating spaces where their identity is respected. Advocacy at school—developing a gender support plan addressing name, pronouns, and restroom access—is also crucial. Consistent parental support helps transgender youth maintain connection, safety and hope for the future.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.arcamax.com/healthtips/s-4205733