Republicans Shift Focus: Health Care or Transgender Care?

Republicans are making a big deal about transgender health care. They say they're protecting kids from treatments they think are harmful. But doctors say they're wrong. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association support gender-affirming care. They say it's important for transgender teens. Republicans are struggling with health care affordability. Insurance costs are going up. Democrats want to extend subsidies, but most Republicans don't. They think opposing transgender care will win votes. Trump's campaign ad targeted his opponent's support for it. Only a few Republicans opposed recent bills on the issue. Not many kids are affected by these treatments. A study found about 18, 000 kids as of 2022. Only a few hundred used puberty-blocking drugs. About 3% of teens identify as transgender. That's around 724, 000 kids.Republicans are pushing hard on this issue. They say doctors' associations are wrong. They think gender identity is a cultural issue. The health department banned Medicaid funds for these treatments. They also warned about breast binders and hormones. This is a big deal in elections. Republicans are using it in ads and campaigns. They think it will help them win. Democrats say it's cruel and ignores real health care issues. Some moderate Republicans disagree with their party on this. Transgender advocates say these moves will hurt kids. They say the care is necessary and helpful. The GOP's actions could shut down hospitals that offer it. Democrats blame Republicans for rising health care costs.