SALT LAKE CITY — A new state-commissioned study has found that gender-affirming care leads to positive mental health outcomes for transgender youth in Utah, contradicting claims made by lawmakers who passed a 2023 ban on such treatments for minors.
The study, conducted by Utah’s Department of Health and Human Services along with state medical experts, reviewed thousands of cases and found that hormone therapy and related treatments improved mental and emotional well-being. It concluded that bans on access to care for minors cannot be justified by science or fears of future regret.
Despite the findings, Republican lawmakers behind the 2023 ban said they intend to keep the restrictions in place. “The science isn’t there, the risks are real, and the public is with us,” said Reps. Katy Hall and Bridger Bolinder in a joint statement.
Senate President Stuart Adams said he would review the report but maintained that the law was passed to protect children. “The safety of kids is paramount,” he said.
The law prohibits hormone therapy and surgeries for minors but allowed those already diagnosed with gender dysphoria before January 2023 to continue treatment. Violating providers could lose their licenses and face criminal charges. The University of Utah recently closed its LGBTQ+ youth clinic due to the drop in eligible patients.
The more than 1,000-page report also acknowledged certain risks, including an increased chance of benign brain tumors. However, it emphasized that gender-affirming care can significantly reduce the risk of suicide. “Patients seen before age 18 had a lower risk of suicide,” the report stated. “Without treatment, individuals may face serious psychological and social harm.”
Democratic leaders in Utah, including Rep. Angela Romero and Sen. Luz Escamilla, are urging lawmakers to fully review the report before making further decisions.
Utah is one of 27 states with restrictions on transgender medical care for minors. Federal judges have struck down similar bans in Arkansas, Florida, and Montana, although some rulings are under appeal.
The Utah report stands in contrast to recent federal guidance issued by President Donald Trump’s administration, which promotes behavioral therapy over medical treatments and bans federal support for gender transitions under age 19. Medical groups say they were not consulted on that report.
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