Top Surgery in South Carolina

In South Carolina, trans people face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, particularly following recent legislative changes. In May 2024, the state enacted a law that bans gender-affirming healthcare for minors and restricts public funding for such care for adults. This legislation led institutions like the Medical University of South Carolina to cease offering gender-affirming treatments across all age groups. Advocacy groups argue that this law violates constitutional rights, but despite legal challenges, the restrictions continue to significantly limit access to medically necessary care for transgender South Carolinians.

In response, organizations like the Campaign for Southern Equality have launched initiatives to help transgender individuals access out-of-state healthcare. These programs provide financial support for travel expenses, ensuring that those affected by restrictive laws can still receive essential medical care.

Not surprisingly, South Carolina currently has only two surgeons performing top surgery. While they accept some employer-sponsored and private insurance plans, state law prevents them from accepting Medicaid. As a result, many transgender South Carolinians pay out-of-pocket for care in North Carolina, where more surgeons are available.

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