Alaska's Medical Board Attacks Abortion and Gender-Affirming Care

Alaska's six-member medical regulatory board unanimously approved a draft rule classifying medical or surgical interventions for gender dysphoria or transition as unprofessional conduct. The draft would equate providing gender-affirming care to minors with serious malpractice offenses. All six board members were appointed by Governor Mike Dunleavy. A board member cited public concern despite widespread local opposition and pressure on lawmakers to avoid hearings. Nearly 700 medical professionals organized by Identity Inc. opposed the proposed changes and called them politically motivated. Federal actions and state bans have increased scrutiny and restrictions on gender-affirming care for youth.

The board's six male members (all of whom were appointed by Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy) unanimously approved a draft regulation to Alaska's medical board requirements declaring any sort of "medical or surgical intervention to treat gender dysphoria or facilitate gender transition" as one of " unprofessional conduct." If finalized, it would put providing gender-affirming care for minors (or anyone under the age of 18) at the same level of malpractice as practicing medicine while drunk or on drugs.

Board member Dave Wilson said the committee "acted" on "concern by members of the public"-despite Alaskans overwhelmingly pressuring their state lawmakers to scrap committee hearings about repealing gender-affirming care in 2024. Ahead of the board's decision, nearly 700 medical professionals in the state a statement organized by Identity Inc. opposing the changes. Tom Pittman, the group's executive director, called the move politically motivated , saying it would impact vulnerable Alaskans.

The attacks on gender-affirming care (which includes puberty blockers and hormone therapy) have ramped up in recent week-thanks to GOP efforts to revoke the rights of trans children, as well as the Justice Department in July subpoenaing at least 20 hospitals that provide gender-affirming care to minors. Currently, 27 states have some kind of ban on gender-affirming care for minors.

Read at Jezebel