(Liberal Voice Network) – Following an emergency order by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, the provision of gender-affirming care for both minors and adults has been significantly restricted. On April 13, Bailey’s announcement triggered concerns among individuals seeking hormone replacement therapy, such as AJ Hackworth, who reached out to his healthcare provider in Springfield regarding his testosterone prescription. The repercussions of the order quickly became apparent, as Hackworth’s doctor informed him on April 14 that she could no longer fill prescriptions for gender-affirming care due to potential investigations under the new rule.
Effective from Thursday and lasting until February 2024, the emergency order imposes stringent requirements on patients of all ages seeking or continuing gender-affirming care. Critics argue that these requirements are burdensome, overly broad, and will likely impede access to necessary healthcare. Even legally adult individuals who have been receiving gender-affirming care for years must comply with the new regulations. The concerns are not limited to the impact on individuals but also extend to the potential cessation of gender-affirming care in the state, leaving many with limited options for alternative care.
Under the order, transgender individuals must undergo 15 hour-long therapy sessions over 18 months, demonstrate the resolution of mental health issues (such as anxiety and depression) before receiving treatment for gender dysphoria, and provide three years’ worth of medical documentation on gender dysphoria. They are also required to undergo autism screenings, while healthcare providers must maintain a database of “adverse effects” of gender-affirming care for at least 15 years.
The anti-trans bills in Missouri and the investigation into trans health clinics by Bailey had already heightened concerns among individuals like Hackworth, who feared a scenario where access to hormones could be taken away. In anticipation, Hackworth began rationing a portion of his monthly testosterone supply and stockpiling hormones for half a year. However, the process of obtaining a three-month supply of hormones can be challenging, particularly for controlled substances like testosterone. Hackworth, relying on Medicaid coverage, had to crowdfund to pay for extra vials out of pocket, encountering further obstacles in obtaining the required doctor’s note for the bulk prescription.
Similar challenges are faced by others in the transgender community, such as Torin, a 28-year-old resident of Branson. CoxHealth informed them on April 14 that their prescription could not be filled, and while their provider later mentioned the possibility of continued hormone prescription if patients are “compliant” with the order, Torin, a parent with a disability, remains uncertain about the additional documentation required.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Missouri and Lambda Legal have taken legal action on behalf of two families to seek a temporary restraining order against the order’s implementation. They argue that this attempt to utilize consumer protection laws to impede necessary healthcare, including life-saving treatments, must be halted. However, many trans individuals across the state are left grappling with the challenge of accessing gender-affirming care, whether in Missouri or neighboring states, with some contemplating relocation.
The restrictions imposed by the emergency order draw parallels to the state’s previous efforts to curtail abortion access, which were successfully implemented last year. Reproductive healthcare providers, like Planned Parenthood, have observed a surge in patients seeking gender-affirming care. However, these limitations will disproportionately affect Black and brown trans individuals, as well as those in rural areas, exacerbating healthcare inequities. The administrative burden and lack of scientific understanding in the order make it difficult for providers to comply and deliver quality care to patients, echoing the challenges faced in the abortion restrictions.
While legal efforts to challenge the order are underway, individuals like Stevie Miller and Devyn Taylor are taking proactive measures to