The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a non-profit professional organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults,

• AAP SAHM Comments on Nondiscrimination in Health and Health Education Programs or Activities

  The AAP opposed the repeal of transgender-specific protections under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act noting: "The proposal would also eliminate the provision that prohibits a health plan from categorically or automatically excluding or limiting coverage for health services related to gender transition. The rollback of these protections could have a devastating impact on access to medically necessary services for youth who identify as TGD and adversely affect self-esteem and contribute to the perception that they are undervalued by society and the health care system. Furthermore, insurance denials can reinforce a socioeconomic divide between those who can finance the high costs of uncovered care and those who cannot."

  Date: 2019

• Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Adolescents

  Jason Rafferty et al., Ensuring Comprehensive Care and Support for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Adolescents, 142 Pediatrics e20182162 (2018).

  The AAP works toward all children and adolescents, regardless of gender identity or expression, receiving care to promote optimal physical, mental, and social well-being.‍ Any discrimination based on gender identity or expression, real or perceived, is damaging to the socioemotional health of children, families, and society.

  The AAP recommends that youth who identify as transgender and gender diverse have access to comprehensive, gender-affirming, and developmentally appropriate health care that is provided in a safe and inclusive clinical space and that insurance plans offer coverage for health care that is specific to the needs of youth who identify as transgender and gender diverse, including coverage for medical, psychological, and, when indicated, surgical gender-affirming interventions.

  Date: 2018