Democrat AGs claim Lincoln would support VA funding for transgender surgeries

Nineteen‌ Democratic Attorneys General Advocate for Transgender Veterans’ Surgeries

In a bold move, nineteen Democratic attorneys general are urging the Department of Veterans Affairs to ‌cover the costs of genital surgeries for transgender-identifying veterans. Their argument? They believe this ‍is what former Republican President Abraham⁣ Lincoln would​ have wanted.

Representing 18 states and⁣ Washington, D.C., these Democrat officials filed an amicus brief in support of the Transgender American Veterans⁤ Association, which is ‍currently‌ suing the VA to cover the expenses of vaginoplasty and phalloplasty surgeries.

Preserving Lincoln’s Promise

According‌ to ⁢the attorneys general, the mission of the ‍U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is to fulfill President Abraham Lincoln’s simple promise: ‘to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.’ They argue that by denying ‌transgender veterans⁤ access to medically necessary and potentially life-saving treatments, the VA is failing to uphold this⁢ promise.

The officials emphasize that these surgeries, despite their ‌potential long-term side effects, are both “life-saving” and “medically necessary.” They⁤ also highlight that the surgeries in question include breast removal for women who identify as men.

Urgent Healthcare ​Needs

The attorneys general stress ‌that transgender veterans​ with gender dysphoria are being ⁢denied life-saving healthcare, leaving them vulnerable to physical suffering, depression, and suicidal ideation. They ⁤argue ⁢that providing comprehensive⁢ healthcare, including medically necessary ⁣surgeries, has proven to ​offer significant⁢ benefits at negligible costs in the states they represent.

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Currently, the VA uses taxpayer funds⁤ to cover cross-sex​ hormones, ​hair removal, and‍ “voice training” for veterans. However, the⁣ department has yet to start covering genital and breast surgeries, despite previous statements from Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough.

The attorneys general of Washington, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, ⁣District of​ Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois,‌ Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan,⁣ Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York,⁣ Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, ​and Vermont have all signed on to support⁣ this brief.

Last year, House Republicans attempted‍ to ​pass a measure that would prohibit taxpayer money from funding transgender procedures.

According to the attorneys general, what evidence supports the medical necessity of gender-confirming surgeries for transgender individuals?

Fulfill that promise. The attorneys general assert that Lincoln would⁢ have supported ‌the rights and well-being of all veterans, regardless of their gender identity.

The amicus brief​ emphasizes that transgender veterans have already demonstrated ⁢their dedication and sacrifice to the ⁢country ‌by serving in the military. It argues that denying them access to gender-confirming surgeries​ not only goes against the VA’s mission but also violates their constitutional rights to equal protection under the law.

The attorneys general point out that the VA already‍ covers various medical procedures, including reproductive health services for cisgender veterans. They argue that ‍by excluding transgender veterans from equal coverage, the VA is engaging in discriminatory practices. They believe that all veterans, regardless of their gender identity, should have access to the same level of care and support.

Medical Necessity and Quality of Life

The amicus brief emphasizes the medical necessity of gender-confirming surgeries for transgender individuals. It highlights that these procedures are not merely cosmetic ⁤but⁢ can significantly improve⁣ their mental health and overall well-being. The attorneys general cite various medical organizations, including‍ the American Medical Association and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, which recognize the‍ efficacy of these surgeries in treating gender dysphoria, a condition often experienced by transgender individuals.

The attorneys general argue that access to gender-confirming surgeries can ⁣have a profound positive impact on transgender veterans’ ⁣lives. They point ​to studies that show the reduction of suicide rates and improvement in overall mental health​ outcomes​ among transgender individuals who undergo ⁤these procedures. By providing coverage for these‍ surgeries, the VA can contribute ⁤to⁢ the well-being and success of transgender veterans.

Additionally, the attorneys general stress that the denial of coverage for gender-confirming⁣ surgeries perpetuates systemic inequalities and ⁣further stigmatizes transgender individuals. They argue that it is the responsibility of the ‍VA,⁤ as an ⁢institution dedicated⁣ to serving veterans, to address and eliminate these disparities in healthcare‍ access.

Implications and the Path Forward

The amicus brief concludes by urging ‍the Department of Veterans Affairs to ⁢revise its policies and provide coverage for gender-confirming surgeries for transgender veterans. The attorneys general assert that this change is not only⁤ necessary to fulfill President ‌Lincoln’s promise but also to ensure equal rights and access to healthcare for all veterans, regardless of their gender identity.

The support from nineteen Democratic attorneys ‍general adds significant weight to the ongoing legal battle for transgender veterans’ rights. ⁣Their argument based on President Lincoln’s promise highlights the importance of inclusive​ and comprehensive healthcare ‌for all individuals who have served our country. As the lawsuit progresses and the conversation surrounding‌ transgender healthcare evolves, it is crucial​ to prioritize ‌the well-being and rights of transgender veterans and ensure ⁤that they receive the necessary care they deserve.

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