On March 21, 2024, a coalition of Republican governors announced their intention to introduce nationwide legislation that would ban gender transition treatments for minors, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgeries. The proposal, known as the “Protecting Children’s Health Act,” seeks to prevent minors from undergoing medical treatments associated with gender transitions until they reach the age of 18, citing concerns over the long-term health effects and the ability of minors to make such irreversible decisions.
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas, who hosted the event, was joined by fellow Republican governors Ron DeSantis of Florida, Kristi Noem of South Dakota, and Doug Ducey of Arizona. The initiative builds on similar state-level efforts to restrict gender-affirming care for minors, with the governors arguing that children should be protected from what they see as irreversible and experimental medical interventions.
“Our children should not be subjected to experimental medical treatments that they may later regret,” Governor Abbott said at the press conference unveiling the proposal. “This legislation is about protecting minors and ensuring that they receive the appropriate care they need, based on sound medical evidence.”
The bill seeks to prohibit healthcare providers from administering puberty blockers, hormone treatments, or performing gender-affirming surgeries on minors. Additionally, the proposal mandates that minors seeking gender-affirming treatments must undergo extensive psychological evaluations and parental consultation. The initiative also emphasizes providing mental health support for minors dealing with gender dysphoria as an alternative to medical transition.
Governor DeSantis, who has already implemented similar policies in Florida, praised the proposal, stating that it is necessary to prevent irreversible changes to minors’ bodies and ensure that children are not rushed into life-altering decisions.
“This is about putting children’s well-being first,” DeSantis said. “We need to ensure that young people receive the counseling and support they need, without being pushed into irreversible medical procedures before they are old enough to make fully informed decisions.”
The proposal has garnered significant support from conservative groups such as the Family Research Council and the Heritage Foundation, both of which have long advocated for limiting access to gender-affirming treatments for minors.
However, the bill has sparked intense opposition from LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, medical professionals, and progressive lawmakers, who argue that such a ban would have detrimental effects on the mental health of transgender youth and increase the risk of suicide and depression among minors. The American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have both publicly opposed the measure, affirming that gender-affirming care is an essential and well-supported treatment for transgender minors.
“This bill harms transgender youth by denying them the care they need and putting their health at risk,” said an AMA spokesperson. “Gender-affirming care is proven to improve the mental health and overall well-being of transgender minors.”
The proposal is expected to be a central issue in the 2024 election cycle, with debates over the role of government in healthcare and parental rights taking center stage. The outcome of this legislation will likely set the tone for future discussions around gender-affirming care, medical autonomy, and the rights of transgender individuals in the U.S.
