Washington State saw 145% jump in gender dysphoria diagnoses from 2018-22, report shows

Washington State experienced the largest rise in gender dysphoria diagnoses among West Coast states from 2018 to 2022, according to Definitive Healthcare findings.

Washington saw a 145% spike in diagnoses compared to Oregon’s 90% increase and California’s 102%. All but one U.S. state experienced an increase during the time period, according to the report.

The Definitive Healthcare research shows that states without bans on gender-affirming care can encounter more transgender patients. Washington is one of 28 states without any prohibitions on such assistance. Additionally, a new article from Seattle Children's Hospital doctors argues that withholding gender-altering procedures from children is akin to "state-sanctioned medical neglect and emotional abuse."

The 22 states that do have such bans hold more than 35% of all American transgender minors, according to Definitive Healthcare. Some of the states with restrictions have had dips in diagnoses, indicating changing political and social climates have pushed patients to seek help in states regarded as more receptive to transgender people, according to Definitive Healthcare.

dorrance-publishing-banners
Sign Up For Our Newsletter