The TRANS Program Statement on HB 1125

Jackson, Mississippi

On Thursday, January 19, 2023, the Mississippi House of Representatives passed House Bill 1125, being referred to as the Regulate Experimental Adolescent Procedures (REAP) Act. The bill now moves to the Senate.

The TRANS Program releases the following statement.

“Transgender youth are valuable members of our community. They deserve to be respected, supported, protected and treated as equals. They also deserve access to medically necessary healthcare, just as anyone else. House Bill 1125 is an attempt to criminalize healthcare providers, parents and others for providing such.

Research has consistently shown us that transgender youth are twice as likely as their non-transgender (cisgender) peers to experience depression, isolation, and suicide ideation. It has also been well revealed that transgender youth, whose families support their gender identity, experience both a decrease in suicidal thoughts and increases in self-esteem. Denying healthcare to transgender youth can be life-threatening. Providing affirming and medically necessary healthcare to transgender youth is life-saving.

Gender-affirming and medically necessary care looks different for every transgender person. Determining such care is a process not to be made trivial and requires careful consideration between patients, their families and their doctors. The health of our youth does not belong in the hands of politicians.”