Petition for University Health Services to Provide Gender Affirming Care

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Petition for University Health Services to Provide Gender Affirming Care

University Health Services

Gender-affirming care is an essential set of services and support that validate and affirm an individual's gender identity. This care, crucial for many transgender individuals, includes various medical, psychological, and social interventions. Top health organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, advocate for the necessity of such care, which has been shown to significantly improve the quality of life and mental health for transgender people.

At present, University Health Services (UHS) at UC refers transgender students to external providers rather than offering these vital services on campus. This approach contrasts with previous years when UHS provided gender-affirming care directly. This change not only undermines the health and well-being of our students but also signals a step back in our commitment to inclusivity.

Our Call for Action

Ohio's recent restrictive laws on gender-affirming care have cast a shadow over the rights of transgender individuals, especially minors. This is a pivotal moment for UC to reaffirm its commitment to transgender rights and healthcare.

Endocrinologist on Campus: UHS must reinstate direct, on-campus access to hormone therapy by hiring an endocrinologist. This is a non-negotiable step towards supporting not only minors but all transgender students at UC.
Mental Health Access: We demand that UHS provide mental health professionals for transgender students of all ages, recognizing the importance of comprehensive care.

We urge UC and UHS to take decisive action against exclusionary policies by ensuring access to gender-affirming care on campus. Filling the endocrinologist position will realign UC with the best medical practices and reaffirm our dedication to the health and rights of our transgender student body.

Sponsored by

University of Cincinnati YDSA

Cincinnati, OH

To: University Health Services
From: [Your Name]

Dear University Health Services,

I am writing to you not only as a member of the University of Cincinnati community but as a concerned individual standing in solidarity with our transgender students who are adversely affected by the lack of direct gender-affirming care on campus.

Gender-affirming care is essential for the well-being of transgender individuals, encompassing a range of medical, psychological, and social interventions. This type of care has been endorsed by the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics as critical to improving life quality and mental health outcomes.

Regrettably, the University Health Services at UC currently requires transgender students to seek this necessary care through external providers. This is a departure from the past practice of offering these services in-house—a change that undermines the health of our students and our university's commitment to inclusivity.

In light of Ohio's recent restrictive laws on gender-affirming care, particularly impacting minors, UC must take action to reaffirm its support for transgender rights and healthcare.

Therefore, I urge UHS to:

Immediately hire an endocrinologist to provide on-campus hormone therapy to transgender students of all ages.

Ensure access to mental health professionals within UHS for comprehensive support.

This moment calls for decisive leadership. By reinstating direct access to gender-affirming care, UC can align with the best medical practices and demonstrate an unwavering dedication to the rights and health of every student.