Alaska medical board seeks to limit minors' gender care

The Alaska State Medical Board has asked the state Legislature to ban gender-affirming care for minors. This includes hormonal and surgical treatments for young people who want to transition to a different gender. The board, appointed by Governor Mike Dunleavy, expressed concerns about the long-term risks of such treatments. In a letter sent to lawmakers, the board stated that there isn't enough evidence to support these medical practices for people under 18. They advocate for psychological support and counseling instead, which they believe is safer. However, the board's statement is not legally binding. Currently, Alaska does not have a law banning gender-affirming care for minors, and no such bill has been proposed this year. Alaska's Medicaid program started covering gender transition treatments in 2021 after a lawsuit by transgender Alaskans. However, private insurers do not have to cover these services. Last year, a bill to ban certain gender-affirming treatments was introduced by Rep. Jamie Allard but did not progress. More than half of U.S. states have similar bans for minors. The medical board has five doctors, one physician assistant, and two public members. It is currently one member short, and two members are awaiting confirmation. The motivations behind the board's recent letter are unclear. The situation may be influenced by national trends concerning transgender care. Republicans in Alaska have praised the board's position, stating that psychological support is more compassionate than irreversible medical treatments.