ORLANDO, Fla. — Almost one year after the State of Florida implemented restrictions regarding gender transition care, some patients who receive that care say they are feeling the weight.

Even health care providers say they are seeing an influx of patients needing care.

According to Spektrum Health, about 80% of gender transition patients in Central Florida were being treated by nurse practitioners, while 20% were being treated by physicians.

Last year, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law restricting gender transition care, which, in addition to banning gender transition procedures for minors, restricts nurse practitioners from providing any medications solely for gender transition purposes. Per the law, prescriptions for such medications must now come directly from a physician.

Since the law went into effect, some doctors who provide this type of treatment are feeling the changes. They say some practices are no longer able to treat patients without a physician present, which has overloaded resources at facilities like BLISS Health in Orlando.

For Paula Neira, something as simple as visiting the doctor is not as easy as it was before the new law went into effect.

Speaking about being transgender in Central Florida, Neira said it has been a part of her identity since she was a kid.

“My whole life, since I was 5 years old," she said. "It’s strong words to say, but maybe if I kill myself I will be reborn (as a woman)."

That’s where Neira’s parents stepped in. She says they gave her the resources to make a thoughtful decision about gender transition care, as well as the medication to make that transition happen.

But she said seeing a health care provider for gender transition care in the state of Florida has its barriers. 

“Having a waiting list, it loses all the urgency that we have," Neira said. "In this, we (are) trying to avoid trauma and suffering."

Dr. Roberto Ortiz, with BLISS Health, said he has seen such an increase in patients needing their medication, many now have to go on a waitlist to be seen. He said he believes the law's disruptive effect on the transgender community wasn't an accident.

“That’s the intention of what these changes were — it’s to discredit this type of work," he said. "No one wants to do it. Eventually they’re not going to be able to have care. People may run to the streets and do it illegally. That’s the risk we’re taking."

While Anacalada gets to see her doctor, she knows many trans adults and youth in Central Florida don’t have that option.

“I’m hoping that all kids get enough information and are able to make their dream come true, and be in their body and feel as happy as I feel in my body, finally,” she said.  

Anyone having thoughts of suicide or self-harm is urged to call 988 to speak with someone at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24 hours a day.