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WHEREAS, access to quality, evidence-based healthcare is a fundamental issue of bodily autonomy that affects all Pennsylvanians, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation; and,
WHEREAS, LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare, including gender-affirming care for youth and adults, is well-established, medically necessary care endorsed by every major medical association in the United States; and,
WHEREAS, decisions about medical care, including gender-affirming treatment, belong to patients, families, and their healthcare providers; and,
WHEREAS, attacks on LGBTQ+ affirming care threaten not only the rights of transgender and nonbinary individuals, but also set a dangerous precedent for restricting healthcare access for everyone, including the overwhelming number of cisgender individuals who safely use hormone-based care for a range of medical conditions; and,
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania must take action to protect both the healthcare workforce and the rights of patients to receive appropriate care without fear, stigma, or political interference; and,
WHEREAS, Governor Josh Shapiro has the opportunity to publicly reaffirm the Commonwealth's commitment to healthcare access, bodily autonomy, and the protection of providers and patients alike in the face of growing national threats to basic medical rights.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh calls on Governor Josh Shapiro to publicly affirm that gender-affirming care is essential, evidence-based healthcare that remains fully protected under Pennsylvania law; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council calls on the Governor to ensure LGBTQ+ affirming healthcare is affordable and accessible to all through Medicaid/Medical Assistance and CHIP; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh urges Governor Shapiro to take steps to protect Pennsylvania healthcare providers and health networks from federal persecution or intimidation, making clear ...
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