On March 15, 2025, a coalition of Republican governors gathered in Columbus, Ohio, to announce a new nationwide initiative aimed at banning gender-affirming medical treatments for minors. The proposal, titled the “Protecting Children’s Health and Safety Act,” seeks to prevent minors from undergoing puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and gender-affirming surgeries. The governors argue that these treatments are not only irreversible but could cause long-term harm to children who may later regret their decisions.
Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio, who hosted the event, was joined by Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota, and Governor Greg Abbott of Texas. The initiative comes amid increasing concerns from conservative groups and parents about the accessibility of gender-affirming care for minors, and the belief that these procedures should be postponed until individuals are of legal age and capable of making fully informed decisions.
“We must protect children from making irreversible decisions that could affect them for the rest of their lives,” Governor DeWine said in his remarks. “This bill ensures that we are prioritizing the mental and physical well-being of minors, allowing them the time and support they need to make decisions about their gender identity when they are older.”
The proposal would prevent healthcare providers from offering puberty blockers, hormone treatments, or gender-affirming surgeries to anyone under the age of 18. It would also require that any minor seeking gender-related medical treatment undergo extensive psychological evaluations and counseling to ensure that they fully understand the long-term consequences of such decisions. The initiative emphasizes that mental health support and therapy should be prioritized over medical interventions.
Governor DeSantis, who has already enacted similar laws in Florida, expressed his support for the initiative, stating that the decision to pursue gender-affirming care should be a well-considered one and should involve both parents and medical professionals in the decision-making process.
“We’ve seen the harm that can come from rushing minors into medical treatments that they may later regret,” DeSantis said. “This bill ensures that children have the time and the support they need to navigate these complex issues.”
The proposal has received support from conservative organizations such as the Family Research Council, which has long advocated for restricting gender-affirming care for minors, arguing that these medical procedures are too experimental and risky for young people.
However, the bill has drawn fierce opposition from LGBTQ+ rights groups, medical organizations, and progressive lawmakers, who argue that transgender minors need access to gender-affirming care in order to live healthy, fulfilling lives. The American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have both issued statements opposing the legislation, asserting that gender-affirming care is critical to the mental and physical health of transgender minors.
“This bill would deny transgender youth essential medical care, exacerbating their mental health struggles and putting them at increased risk for depression and suicide,” said an AMA spokesperson.
As the debate over transgender healthcare continues to heat up, the outcome of this nationwide ban will have significant implications for the future of medical care for transgender individuals, particularly minors. The proposal is likely to remain a major issue in the 2025 elections, with both sides of the debate intensifying their efforts to influence public opinion and policy decisions.
