On June 22, 2024, a coalition of Republican governors gathered in Boise, Idaho, to announce a national initiative aimed at banning transgender medical treatments for minors, including hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and gender-affirming surgeries. The proposal, known as the “Protecting Children’s Health and Safety Act,” seeks to prevent minors from undergoing gender transition treatments until they are of legal age, citing concerns over the potential long-term psychological and physical consequences of such procedures for children.
Governor Brad Little of Idaho, who hosted the event, was joined by fellow Republican governors Ron DeSantis of Florida, Kristi Noem of South Dakota, and Greg Abbott of Texas. The initiative follows a series of similar state-level efforts to restrict access to gender-affirming medical care for minors, with the governors arguing that these procedures should be delayed until individuals reach adulthood and are better equipped to make fully informed decisions.
“Parents, not the government, should be the ones making decisions about their children’s health, and minors should not be subjected to irreversible medical procedures that they may later regret,” Governor Little said during the press conference. “This legislation ensures that children are protected from decisions that could have lifelong consequences.”
The bill would prohibit medical professionals from administering puberty blockers, hormone treatments, or performing gender-affirming surgeries on minors. It also mandates that minors seeking such treatments undergo extensive psychological evaluations and counseling, emphasizing the importance of mental health support rather than medical intervention for those struggling with gender dysphoria.
Governor DeSantis, a strong advocate for restricting gender-affirming care for minors, expressed his support for the legislation, stating that it is vital to protect children from what he views as experimental and unnecessary medical treatments.
“We’ve seen the devastating effects that these medical procedures can have on children,” DeSantis said. “This bill will ensure that children have the time and support they need to fully understand their own identities before undergoing irreversible medical changes.”
The proposal has received strong backing from conservative groups such as the Family Research Council and the American Principles Project, both of which have long argued against the availability of gender-affirming care for minors.
However, the initiative has sparked fierce opposition from medical professionals, LGBTQ+ rights groups, and progressive organizations. The American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have expressed strong opposition, arguing that denying transgender minors access to gender-affirming care will harm their mental health and increase the risk of suicide and depression.
“Denying care to transgender youth is a direct violation of their rights and harms their well-being,” said an AMA spokesperson. “Gender-affirming care has been shown to improve mental health outcomes and save lives.”
As the debate over transgender healthcare continues to intensify, the outcome of this national ban will have far-reaching implications for healthcare policy and the rights of transgender individuals. The proposal is set to be a central issue in the 2024 election cycle, with conservatives framing it as a necessary measure to protect children, while opponents warn it will jeopardize the well-being of vulnerable youth.
