On May 17, 2024, a group of Republican governors gathered in Bismarck, North Dakota, to announce a new national initiative that seeks to ban gender transition treatments for minors, including hormone therapies, puberty blockers, and gender-affirming surgeries. The proposed legislation, known as the “Protecting Children’s Health Act,” aims to prevent minors from undergoing irreversible medical procedures until they reach the age of majority, citing concerns that minors are too young to make decisions about their gender identity.
Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota, who hosted the announcement, was joined by other influential Republican governors, including Greg Abbott of Texas, Kristi Noem of South Dakota, and Ron DeSantis of Florida. The initiative follows a growing trend among GOP-led states to restrict gender-affirming medical care for minors, arguing that these procedures are not only risky but may also lead to psychological harm in the long term.
“Children should not be subjected to irreversible medical procedures when they are not old enough to fully understand the consequences,” Governor Burgum said in his remarks. “This legislation will ensure that minors are not rushed into life-altering decisions and that parents have a greater role in making decisions about their child’s health.”
The bill would prohibit doctors from providing gender-affirming treatments to minors and mandate that gender transition treatments for minors be delayed until individuals reach the age of 18. It would also require more comprehensive mental health evaluations for minors before any treatments could be prescribed, ensuring that therapy and counseling are prioritized over medical interventions. The governors emphasized that their priority is to protect vulnerable children and prevent potential long-term harm.
Governor DeSantis, who has already signed similar laws in Florida, echoed these concerns, stating that gender transition procedures for minors should be postponed until they reach adulthood. He emphasized that parents must have the ultimate say in decisions regarding their children’s healthcare.
“We must protect children from irreversible medical treatments and ensure that they receive the mental health care they need,” Governor DeSantis said. “We are giving parents the right to make the best decisions for their children’s future.”
The proposal has garnered backing from conservative groups like the Family Research Council, which argues that the medical treatments are dangerous and should not be administered to minors. However, it faces significant opposition from LGBTQ+ rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), who argue that these restrictions violate the rights of transgender youth and could exacerbate mental health issues, leading to higher rates of depression and suicide among transgender minors.
“This bill is an attack on the rights of transgender youth and their families,” said an ACLU spokesperson. “Transgender minors need access to medical care that aligns with their identity, and this legislation will cause them harm.”
As the national conversation about transgender rights and medical care continues to intensify, the outcome of the “Protecting Children’s Health Act” will have significant implications for healthcare policy and the future of transgender rights across the United States. The proposal is likely to remain a key issue in the 2024 elections, as Republicans and Democrats continue to clash over parental rights, healthcare autonomy, and the role of government in medical decision-making.
