Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin have once again introduced a bill aimed at banning gender-affirming care for minors. This legislative move has sparked debate and drawn reactions from various groups, including healthcare providers, LGBTQ+ advocates, and political leaders. Here’s a breakdown of the proposed bill, its implications, and the ongoing controversy surrounding it.
The ‘Help Not Harm Act’
The bill, called the “Help Not Harm Act,” was introduced by State Sen. Cory Tomczyk and State Rep. Scott Allen. The lawmakers claim that the bill will protect minors from making “life-altering, irreversible decisions” related to their gender identity, decisions they argue could lead to mental and physical harm.
Rep. Scott Allen emphasized that the goal of the bill is to ensure children who are struggling with gender identity issues receive proper help, not harm. “There are too many studies that show the harm of these procedures, and there are too many stories of young people regretting their transition later,” Allen said. “We need to give minors the inherent blessing of time to understand their gender identity fully before making permanent decisions.”
The Bill’s Provisions
Under the proposed law, certain medical interventions would be prohibited for minors under the age of 18 who are experiencing gender dysphoria. These interventions include puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender transition surgeries. The bill does not target adults over the age of 18.
Additionally, the bill would require medical boards such as the Board of Nursing, the Medical Examining Board, and the Physician Assistant Affiliated Credentialing Board to investigate allegations that licensed healthcare providers have violated the law by offering these treatments to minors. If any healthcare provider is found in violation, they would risk losing their professional license or certificate.
Sen. Cory Tomczyk expressed his concern about these medical procedures, saying, “Our children are not experiments. Parents should not be scared or pressured into having their children receive non-medically necessary drugs or irreversible procedures before their brains are fully developed.”
Opposition from LGBTQ+ Advocates and Medical Groups
The bill has met significant opposition from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and medical professionals. The Wisconsin Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus and the Transgender Parent and Non-Binary Advocacy Caucus argue that such medical decisions should be left to parents, healthcare providers, and minors themselves, not politicians.
These groups contend that gender-affirming care is crucial for the mental health and well-being of transgender youth, and that denying access to such care could cause more harm than good. Nonprofit organizations like Fair Wisconsin and GSAFE have called the bill a form of discrimination and misinformation.
“Health care for trans youth is health care that is medically-accurate, age-appropriate, high-quality, respectful health care,” said Abigail Swetz, the executive director of Fair Wisconsin. “It is gender-affirming, and it is life-affirming for the youth, as well as for the families who love and support these kids.”
Political Reactions and Governor’s Stance
The bill has brought up concerns about potential political interference in medical decisions. Governor Tony Evers has previously vetoed similar legislation, and many believe he is likely to do the same with this bill. However, Rep. Allen remains hopeful, suggesting that the governor may change his position.
“He’s always been an advocate of using the science and evidence,” Allen said. “I would hope he’s come around. When you have countries like the UK and others outright banning the procedures, we’re not doing this in a vacuum. We’re looking at the science and saying, it’s just not good practice.”
Federal Involvement and Trump’s Executive Order
The debate over gender-affirming care has also caught the attention of federal policymakers. Former President Donald Trump issued an executive order that broadly restricts access to gender-affirming health care for transgender minors. However, federal judges in Baltimore and Seattle temporarily blocked this order, which has prevented agencies from withholding funds from medical facilities that provide gender-affirming care to minors.
In response to these developments, some hospitals, including Children’s Wisconsin, have started suspending gender-affirming care due to concerns over federal funding.
Impact on Gender-Affirming Care in the U.S.
Despite the political and legal challenges, the number of adolescents receiving gender-affirming care in the U.S. remains relatively low. A recent study revealed that between 2018 and 2022, only about 0.1% of U.S. adolescents with commercial insurance received gender-affirming medications or surgeries.
The Bigger Picture
As the debate continues, many wonder how the decision to restrict gender-affirming care for minors will impact both individual lives and broader societal trends. With more states taking similar actions, the discussion surrounding gender-affirming health care is becoming increasingly polarized. For those who advocate for such care, the priority is ensuring that transgender youth receive the support and medical treatment they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
Conclusion
The introduction of the “Help Not Harm Act” in Wisconsin marks a significant point in the ongoing national conversation about gender-affirming care for minors. As lawmakers and advocacy groups continue to clash over the issue, one thing remains clear: the debate is far from over, and the outcomes will have lasting implications for transgender youth across the country.
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