This week U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has directed federal prosecutors to investigate gender-affirming surgical procedures, equating them to “female genital mutilation” (FGM).

This comparison is not only medically inaccurate but also deeply harmful.

FGM is a non-consensual practice condemned globally for its violation of human rights.

In contrast, gender-affirming care is a medically recognized treatment provided with informed consent, supported by major medical organizations like the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Such care is essential for the well-being of transgender individuals.

We call upon Attorney General Pam Bondi to retract the directive equating gender-affirming care with FGM. You can't use FGM-related legislation to target doctors providing care for trans people. 

Recognize and respect the medical consensus supporting gender-affirming treatments!

Equating consensual, medically necessary procedures with human rights violations undermines the dignity and health of transgender people.