On July 19, 2024, a coalition of Republican governors gathered in Phoenix, Arizona, to announce a groundbreaking effort to introduce nationwide legislation aimed at banning gender-affirming medical treatments for minors. The proposal, known as the “Protecting Minors from Harm Act,” seeks to restrict the administration of puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and gender-affirming surgeries to individuals under 18, citing concerns that children are not capable of making informed decisions about irreversible medical procedures.
Governor Doug Ducey of Arizona, who hosted the event, was joined by Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, Governor Kristi Noem of South Dakota, and Governor Greg Abbott of Texas. These governors have already introduced similar bills in their respective states, and they are now pushing for a coordinated nationwide effort to limit the availability of gender-affirming care for minors.
“Parents should have the ultimate say in decisions about their child’s health, and minors should not be subjected to irreversible, experimental medical treatments,” Governor Ducey said during the press conference. “This legislation ensures that children are protected from making decisions they may regret later in life.”
The proposed bill would prevent medical professionals from administering puberty blockers, hormone treatments, or performing gender-affirming surgeries on minors. In addition, it would require minors who seek gender-affirming care to undergo extensive psychological evaluations and counseling. The initiative emphasizes mental health care and therapy as alternatives to medical transition for children experiencing gender dysphoria.
Governor DeSantis, who has been a vocal advocate for restricting gender-affirming care in Florida, argued that such treatments are risky and experimental for children and that more support should be provided to help minors explore their gender identity through non-medical means.
“Florida has taken strong action to protect children from irreversible medical treatments, and now we’re pushing for a nationwide solution,” Governor DeSantis said. “We need to ensure that children are not rushed into medical decisions that can have permanent consequences.”
The proposal has garnered significant support from conservative groups, including the Family Research Council and the Heritage Foundation, which argue that the medical treatments are harmful to minors and should not be allowed without full consent and understanding. These organizations believe the bill will safeguard children’s physical and mental health.
However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, mental health professionals, and progressive lawmakers. The American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have opposed the bill, arguing that gender-affirming care is essential for the well-being of transgender minors and has been shown to improve mental health outcomes.
“This bill will only harm transgender minors, pushing them further into mental health crises and worsening their risk of self-harm and suicide,” said an AMA spokesperson. “Gender-affirming care is a life-saving treatment and is supported by a broad consensus of medical professionals.”
As the debate intensifies, this proposal is expected to be a key issue in the 2024 elections, with the GOP emphasizing parental rights and child protection, while opponents argue that it undermines the rights of transgender individuals and medical autonomy. The outcome of this legislative push will have far-reaching implications for the future of transgender healthcare and parental rights across the United States.
