Texas Legislature Bans Transgender Medical Care for Children

This blog originally appeared at The New York Times.

Despite facing strong opposition from Democrats and drawing loud protests at the Capitol this month, the Texas Legislature made a decisive move on Wednesday by voting to approve a controversial bill that effectively bans hormone and puberty blocking treatments, as well as surgeries, for transgender children. If the bill is signed into law, Texas will mark a significant milestone as the largest state to prohibit transition medical care for minors.

The final version of the bill includes a limited exemption for transgender children who were already receiving medical treatment prior to the bill’s passage. However, these individuals would still be required to gradually “wean” themselves off the medications over an unspecified period of time, adding an additional layer of complexity and uncertainty to their healthcare journey.

The scope of the legislation extends beyond prohibiting medical procedures. It would also prevent doctors from performing mastectomies or surgeries that may result in sterilization, remove healthy tissue or body parts, or prescribing medications that could induce temporary or permanent infertility in transgender youth. The bill now awaits its fate as it heads to the governor’s desk for final approval.

This bill is just one among several proposals being considered by the Republican-dominated Legislature this year, as they attempt to regulate various aspects of the lives of transgender individuals. In another move, the State House recently advanced a separate measure that would require athletes in public colleges to compete based on the sex listed on their birth certificate at the time of their birth, further adding to the mounting challenges faced by transgender athletes.

The passage of these bills reflects an ongoing ideological battle surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, as conservative lawmakers continue to champion legislation that targets transgender individuals. The resulting implications for the transgender community in Texas are significant, raising concerns about access to essential medical care, bodily autonomy, and the overall well-being of transgender youth.

As the nation closely watches the fate of these bills, their impact extends beyond the borders of Texas, potentially setting a precedent and influencing discussions around transgender rights and healthcare for minors across the country.

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