The AAP Board of Directors voted to reaffirm the 2018 AAP policy statement on gender-affirming care and authorized development of an expanded set of guidance for pediatricians based on a systematic review of the evidence.
An updated policy statement, plus companion clinical and technical reports, will reflect data and research on gender-affirming care since the original policy was released and offer updated guidance. The board recognized the value of additional detail with five more years of experience since the 2018 policy statement was issued.
The decision to authorize a systematic review reflects the board’s concerns about restrictions to access to health care with bans on gender-affirming care in more than 20 states.
AAP CEO/Executive Vice President Mark Del Monte, J.D., is speaking today at the AAP Leadership Conference in Itasca, Ill.
He emphasizes that policy authors and AAP leadership are confident the principles presented in the original policy, Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Adolescents, remain in the best interest of children.
As part of its mission, the AAP will continue to “ensure young people get the reproductive and gender-affirming care they need and are seen, heard and valued as they are,” Del Monte said.
The board reviews evidence and considers policy renewal on a regular schedule as authorizations expire. Based on the continuing review, the board reaffirmed the current guidance on transgender care until there is an updated version.
To ensure the policy update process is transparent and inclusive, the AAP will invite members and other stakeholders to share input.
The AAP and other major medical organizations — including the American Medical Association, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the World Health Organization — support giving transgender adolescents access to the health care they need.
The AAP opposes any laws or regulations that discriminate against transgender and gender-diverse individuals, or that interfere in the doctor-patient relationship.
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