Pennsylvania has become the latest state to enact comprehensive protections against conversion therapy, joining 22 other states and the District of Columbia in banning the practice by licensed mental health providers. The move comes in response to alarming statistics revealing the prevalence and harmful effects of conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ youth.
According to The Trevor Project, an estimated 16% of LGBTQ+ young people in Pennsylvania reported being threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy in the past year. This practice has been widely denounced by major medical and mental health associations due to its detrimental effects on individuals’ mental health and well-being.
Troy Stevenson, Director of State Advocacy Campaigns at The Trevor Project, praised Pennsylvania’s decision, emphasizing the critical importance of protecting young people from the trauma associated with conversion therapy.
Research conducted by The Trevor Project has shown that LGBTQ youth who undergo conversion therapy are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers who have not undergone such treatment.
The adoption of policies against conversion therapy is seen as a significant step towards safeguarding the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth in Pennsylvania. The support from various organizations and mental health professionals highlights the collective effort to address this issue and promote acceptance and inclusivity statewide.
Studies have also revealed the economic impact of conversion therapy, with associated harms costing the U.S. an estimated $9.23 billion annually. The implementation of comprehensive protections in Pennsylvania reflects a commitment to not only preventing harm to individuals but also reducing the broader societal costs associated with conversion therapy.
By enacting these measures, Pennsylvania aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, sending a clear message that conversion therapy has no place in the state’s mental health practices.