The Alaska State Medical Board will vote Friday on whether to formally oppose gender affirming treatments for minors, escalating statewide political debates. This decision follows a March letter to the board to pursue its initiative to restrict such controversial medical practices.
Board members appointed by Gov Mike Dunleavy are scheduled to vote on Friday at 8:30 a.m. in Anchorage. Agenda documents show members plan to consider resolutions opposing gender affirming care for minors and also statements challenging late-term abortion procedures.
Board critics argue members are targeting a tiny population, as fewer than 100 Alaskan children receive gender affirming care annually. Tom Pittman, director of Identity Inc., said the board’s actions amount to discrimination and are unrelated to evidence-based medical standards.
Pittman emphasized Alaska’s constitution protects privacy rights, which courts previously cited when blocking statutory abortion restrictions, potentially shielding gender affirming care from similar limits.
He warned that proposed restrictions represent the worst kind of discrimination targeting children already vulnerable within healthcare systems, strained by political pressure. Nationally, Republican lawmakers have pushed bans on gender affirming care, claiming children face undue pressure toward irreversible medical decisions despite strong opposition from advocates.
Supporters of treatment cite scientific research showing puberty blockers and hormone therapy reduce depression, anxiety, and suicide risks among transgender adolescents. In Alaska, Dr Matt Heilala, now running for governor, suggested designating such treatments as unprofessional conduct warranting disciplinary action by the board.
Minutes from the June meeting show the board unanimously tasked Heilala with drafting statements labeling practitioners as grossly negligent if they compiled. Heilala has declined to release details, but he insists the board’s statement will significantly impact how providers approach gender-affirming care.
