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To some degree, we have arrived at this moment because abortion and trans rights are, in some ways, two sides of the same coin issues that go to the core of what we mean by bodily autonomy and what kinds of choices individuals get to make about our private, physical selves. We have also arrived at this moment because the same tactics that succeeded in marginalizing, demonizing, and even criminalizing abortion have been trained upon us. In 2023 alone, some 20 states banned or limited gender-affirming care for minors; similar legislation is being debated in a number of others. Conservatives began by claiming they were protecting children despite the American Academy of Pediatrics protests that trans children should have access to comprehensive, gender-affirming, and developmentally appropriate health care that is provided in a safe and inclusive clinical space. However, they are now even attempting to restrict care for adults.
In 2022, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida stripped trans people of their Medicaid access to gender-affirming health care. A federal judge struck down that action, but similar bans are in the works nationwide. If you only listened to the Republican debate last month or to conservative news, you might be forgiven for thinking that the most important issue for transgender women in this country is the right to play on a female sports team.
Opinion | Why Do Conservatives Attack Abortion and Trans Rights in the Same Ways? – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
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