Texas is set to ban transgender or gender-affirming medical care for minors.
The Republican-controlled Texas Legislature passed the bill on Wednesday, awaiting the signature of Governor Greg Abbott.
Texas To Ban Transgender Medical Care for Minors
AUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 20: A counter-protestor waves an American flag during a rally at the Texas State Capitol on April 20, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Community members and activists rallied together in protest against numerous anti-LGBTQIA+ and drag bills being proposed in the legislature.
As per The New York Times, the Texas legislature voted in favor of the bill. It prohibits healthcare providers from offering gender-affirming care, such as hormone therapy and surgeries, to transgender minors.
Senate Bill 14 specifically prohibits doctors from performing mastectomies, a surgery that removes breasts, on children. On top of that, it also seeks to ban surgeries that remove healthy body parts or tissues for minors.
The legislation banning trans medical care for kids triggered loud protests from trans and their advocates at the Texas Capitol. The police have arrested two protesters while the House was discussing the bill. Democrats have also opposed the bill.
Supporters of the law argue that it is aimed at protecting young people from irreversible decisions.
On the other hand, critics of the anti-trans measure argue that it denies essential medical treatment to a vulnerable population. Advocates believe that access to gender-affirming care is crucial for the mental and physical well-being of transgender youth, allowing them to live authentically.
According to Axios, some advocates believe that access to gender-affirming care is crucial for the mental and physical well-being of transgender youth, allowing them to live authentically. Medical organizations, such as the American Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and the American Psychological Association, raise mental health concerns for trans youth.
The bill prohibiting gender-affirming medical care for minors is now on its way to the desk of Gov. Abbott. CBS News notes that the Texas government is likely to sign the bill into law.
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Gender-affirming Care Ban for Children
AUSTIN, TEXAS - APRIL 15: People march to the Texas State Capitol during a Queer March demonstration on April 15, 2023 in Austin, Texas. People from across Texas rallied together in protest against a slew of anti-LGBTQIA+ and drag bills being proposed among legislators.
Texas will not be the first state to pass such a ban if ever Gov. Abbott signs it. Just recently, the state of Florida banned gender-affirming care for minors. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law on Monday, May 15, alongside other anti-trans legislation.
In total, 17 states have passed a similar ban or restriction for trans youth seeking gender-affirming medical care. States like Utah and Montana have passed equivalent laws too. With the recent passing of the Texas Legislature, it might climb to 18, making Texas the largest state to carry out such a ban.
The Times notes that the latest anti-trans Texas bill may affect tens of thousands of transgender minors. To be precise, the William Institute estimates that roughly 30,000 trans youth reside in the states.
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