In a bold move, a New York doctor has announced that he will continue to provide transition care to his patients under 19, despite the recent executive order from President Donald Trump aiming to restrict such care. Dr. Jeffrey Birnbaum, a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist, has stated that he will not back down, as he believes the care he provides is life-sustaining for his patients.
The executive order, which has been met with widespread criticism from medical professionals and advocacy groups, seeks to prohibit federal funding from being used for transition-related care, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgery, for trans people under 19 years old. However, Dr. Birnbaum is standing firm, citing the importance of providing essential care to his patients.
As the legal battles over the executive order continue, some clinics have begun to cancel appointments for individuals 18 and younger, leaving many patients feeling scared and uncertain about their future care. Dr. Birnbaum’s patients are no exception, with about 20 of them potentially being affected by the order. “They’re terrified that their treatment is going to be interrupted, and they’re going to lose their treatment, plain and simple,” he said. “And for them, it’s life-sustaining.”
The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and other reputable medical organizations have all come out in support of providing gender-affirming care to minors, citing the overwhelming evidence that it is a safe and effective way to treat gender dysphoria. Despite this, the Trump administration has pushed forward with the executive order, which has been widely condemned as a misguided and harmful attack on the trans community.
Dr. Birnbaum’s decision to continue providing care is a beacon of hope for the trans community, and a testament to the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. As he so eloquently put it, “Until somebody calls me away, I’m just going to keep doing it.” His commitment to providing essential care to his patients is a shining example of the kind of compassion and dedication that is needed in the medical profession.
The fight for trans rights is far from over, but with medical professionals like Dr. Birnbaum leading the charge, there is hope for a brighter future. As the legal battles continue, it is essential that we stand in solidarity with the trans community and support their right to access the care they need to thrive. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to live their authentic selves, without fear of persecution or discrimination.