Part 4/8:
Conversely, representatives from the United States government and the ACLU defended the effectiveness and historic use of gender affirming care. They argued that such treatments have been pivotal over the years in alleviating gender dysphoria and preventing mental health crises, including suicidal thoughts. The advocates pointed to decades of research supporting the benefits of gender affirming treatments in improving the well-being of transgender youth and maintaining that these practices are a vital part of healthcare for this population.