Prohibit gender-affirming medical treatments for children

Voting position

Background

The voting position on prohibiting gender-affirming medical treatments for children addresses whether minors should have access to medical interventions such as hormone therapies or surgeries as part of their gender transition process. This topic reflects divisions in public opinion over the role of parents, medical professionals, and the state in making healthcare decisions related to gender identity for minors.

States that banned gender-affirming care for minors

Last updated: January 12, 2024

Source: https://www.lgbtmap.org/equality-maps/healthcare/youth_medical_care_bans

Name

Prohibit gender-affirming medical treatments for children

Types

Voting position

Opposing arguments

Prohibiting gender-affirming treatments for transgender youth can intensify their mental health struggles and potentially increase the risk of self-harm and suicide

Banning gender-affirming treatments overlooks the fact that they are often life-saving, and are supported by major medical organizations as being in the best interest of transgender youth's health and well-being

Prohibiting gender-affirming treatments denies essential healthcare to transgender youth

Opposing politicians

Supporting arguments

Emphasizing gender-affirming treatments could lead to an increase in children pursuing these options without fully understanding their sexual orientation or gender identity

Allowing children to make irreversible medical decisions can be harmful since they might not fully understand or be prepared for the long-term consequences of gender-affirming treatments

Medical interventions for gender affirmation in children can interfere with natural developmental processes

Supporting politicians

Vivek Ramaswamy

Top level position for

Regulate LGBTQIA+ medical practices

Voting issues

LGBTQIA+ Rights