Planned Parenthood nurse practitioner Brie Farron describes affirming care and supports bills

Hello, my name is Brie Farron.

My pronouns are she, her, and I'm a nurse practitioner at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York.

Thank you to the chairs and the committees for convening this important hearing, and thank you to the bill sponsors who are advancing legislation to ensure that transgender, non-binary, and gender non-confirming youth have equitable access to the resources they need to live full lives.

Planned Parenthood of Greater New York is a trusted provider of sexual and reproductive health care and education programs for communities throughout New York.

In 2025, we conducted over 3,100 gender-affirming hormone therapy visits, providing care to over 1,500 individuals.

I've had the honor to provide care to many of those patients myself.

It has been my profound privilege to see the joy, comfort, and improved mental health that comes with accessing this life-affirming and life-saving care.

I've also bore witness as repeated attacks from the Trump-Vance administration cause increased anxiety, uncertainty, and despair.

We've seen the burden on patients trying to access care that has historically been out of reach and steeped in stigma and discrimination.

Attacks nationwide that further limit access to compassionate, affordable, and comprehensive health care have forced many in the community to go without.

It's imperative that New York remains a beacon for trans people seeking care, regardless of the federal political winds.

Planned Parenthood of Greater New York supports Intro 949, Resolution 208, and

Resolution 547, which ensure New York State and New York City are providing critical resources to transgender youth.

We especially applaud Resolution 547, which establishes a gender-affirming care fund to provide financial support for the necessary medical and surgical care.

I personally hope that Resolution 208 can be expanded to include nursing, pharmacy, and allied health students as well.

At PPGNY, we are dedicated to providing and protecting inclusive, affirming health care.

We commend the Council for advocating for the rights of all people.

New York must continue to protect our transgender youth.

We look forward to continuing to work with the Council to ensure health care access for all.

Thank you for your time and dedication to championing this issue.

Thank you.