Texas lawmakers have passed a controversial bill that would ban gender-affirming medical care for minors. The bill, known as S.B. 14, now heads to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk and is expected to be signed into law.
If signed, Texas would become the largest state in the U.S. to restrict this type of healthcare for transgender youth.
What the Bill Does
The bill bans medical treatments such as:
- Hormone therapy
- Puberty blockers
- Gender-affirming surgeries
These treatments would no longer be allowed for anyone under the age of 18 in Texas.
There’s one exception: Transgender minors who are already receiving treatment before June 1, 2023, can continue—but only temporarily. According to the bill, they must “wean off” their medications over time. The law doesn’t specify exactly how long that process should take, only that it must be done safely and under medical supervision.
How It Passed
The Texas House approved the bill earlier this week, and the Senate gave it final approval on Wednesday. While Republican lawmakers supported the bill, many Democrats opposed it, and activists have been vocal in protesting the measure.
Earlier this month, demonstrators gathered at the Texas State Capitol, and some were removed by police during a protest inside the building.
What’s Happening in Other States
Texas is not alone. At least 17 states have passed similar laws banning or limiting gender-affirming care for transgender minors, according to the Associated Press.
Just this week:
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a package of bills targeting transgender rights, including one that bans gender-affirming care for people under 18.
- Missouri lawmakers passed a bill similar to Texas’ and also restricted participation of transgender girls and women in girls’ and women’s sports.
What’s Next?
Governor Abbott has not yet signed the bill, but he’s expected to do so soon. Once signed, it will go into effect and impact the availability of medical options for transgender teens across Texas.
This legislation continues to be a lightning rod in the national conversation about transgender rights and youth healthcare. Supporters of the bill argue that minors shouldn’t undergo treatments they might later regret. Opponents say these decisions should be made by families and doctors, not politicians.
Source:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/montana-ban-gender-affirming-care-transgen…
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/florida-ron-desantis-anti-trans-bills-ban-…
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/SB00014H.pdf#navpane…
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