In a move said to reaffirm “dedication to promoting inclusivity, dignity and access to quality health care for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or expression”, the American Psychological Association (APA) adopted a policy that affirms evidence-based care for transgender, gender diverse and nonbinary children, adolescents and adults.
Titled “Policy Statement on Affirming Evidence-Based Inclusive Care for Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Nonbinary Individuals, Addressing Misinformation, and the Role of Psychological Practice and Science,” the policy was approved by APA’s governing Council of Representatives last February via a 153:9 vote.
“It sends a clear message that… bans on gender-affirming care disregard the comprehensive body of medical and psychological research supporting the positive impact of such treatments in alleviating psychological distress and improving overall well-being for transgender, gender diverse and nonbinary individuals throughout their lives,” said APA president Cynthia de las Fuentes, PhD.
The policy similarly:
- calls for insurance plans to extend coverage for health care services tailored to the developmental needs of children, adolescents, and adults identifying as transgender, gender diverse or nonbinary, encompassing both psychological and medical gender-affirming care
- affirms the role and legal rights of parents/caregivers to ensure the well-being of children and adolescents while honoring their expressed gender identity, including being involved in health care decision-making, and supporting developmentally appropriate youth self-advocacy
“We believe that access to evidence-based health care is a fundamental right for everyone, and this policy reflects our commitment to promoting social justice and equity in health care,” de las Fuentes ended.
