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States' anti-trans measures could lead to dire mental health consequences, experts say

A protester shows her opposition to Kentucky Senate bill SB150, known as the Transgender Health Bill outside the Senate chamber at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., Wednesday, March 29, 2023. (Timothy D. Easley/AP)
A protester shows her opposition to Kentucky Senate bill SB150, known as the Transgender Health Bill outside the Senate chamber at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., Wednesday, March 29, 2023. (Timothy D. Easley/AP)

Editor’s note: If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

More than 550 legislative bills restricting gender-affirming health care and other rights for transgender people have been introduced this year in nearly all states in the country.

In North Carolina, there are currently 10 anti-trans bills pending. Experts say restricting trans health care could increase suicide rates of trans people.

Jason deBruyn of WUNC reports.

This article was originally published on WBUR.org.

Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.