On September 19, 2024, a coalition of Republican governors gathered in Des Moines, Iowa, to announce a new proposal aimed at banning transgender medical treatments for minors nationwide. The initiative, named the “Protecting Minors and Parental Rights Act,” seeks to prohibit the use of puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgeries for minors under the age of 18, with supporters arguing that these treatments are irreversible and could cause long-term harm to children.
Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa, 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 governors argued that children should not be able to make permanent decisions about their gender identity and that parents should have the final say in their children’s healthcare decisions. They emphasized that the bill was about protecting minors from medical decisions that could have lasting consequences.
“Protecting our children means ensuring that they are not subjected to experimental and irreversible medical procedures,” Governor Reynolds said during the press conference. “This bill will give parents the power to make informed decisions about their children’s health while ensuring that minors are not rushed into life-altering treatments.”
The proposal would make it illegal for medical providers to administer puberty blockers or hormone treatments to minors or perform gender-affirming surgeries on those under the age of 18. The bill would also require minors to undergo extensive psychological evaluations and counseling before any medical interventions could take place. The governors stated that the goal is to offer minors mental health support, therapy, and time to better understand their identity before making such irreversible medical decisions.
Governor DeSantis, who has already passed similar laws in Florida, voiced his strong support for the initiative, arguing that gender transition treatments for minors are dangerous and not medically necessary. He emphasized that children should be given time to grow and make informed decisions as adults rather than being subjected to irreversible treatments at an age when their identities may still be developing.
“We’ve seen what happens when we rush minors into irreversible medical treatments,” DeSantis said. “This bill is about protecting children and ensuring that parents have the ultimate authority in their children’s healthcare decisions.”
The proposal has received significant backing from conservative parent groups, including Moms for Liberty, which has advocated for greater parental control over children’s education and healthcare. These groups argue that minors should not be exposed to medical treatments they may later regret.
However, the bill has sparked intense opposition from LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, medical professionals, and progressive lawmakers, who argue that transgender minors need access to gender-affirming care to safeguard their mental health and well-being. The American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have both issued statements opposing the legislation, emphasizing that gender-affirming care improves the quality of life for transgender youth and has been shown to reduce suicide rates.
“This bill would harm vulnerable transgender youth, depriving them of essential medical care and support,” said an AMA spokesperson. “Gender-affirming care is a critical part of helping transgender minors lead healthy and fulfilling lives.”
The outcome of this proposal is likely to be a significant point of contention as the 2024 elections draw closer, with the debate surrounding parental rights, medical autonomy, and transgender rights taking center stage.
