IA: Ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors heads to Reynolds' desk
Republicans sent a ban on gender-affirming care for minors to Gov. Kim Reynolds’ desk Wednesday, less than two weeks after the measure was first brought up as a possibility.
Senate File 538 cleared the House on on a 57-39 vote after passing the Senate Tuesday night. The measure will prohibit transgender minors from obtaining gender-related medical care such as puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy or any surgical interventions. People seeking these treatments for purposes outside of transitioning would still able to receive the care.
Democrats said if signed into law, this bill will be responsible for the death of transgender children in Iowa. But the bill’s floor manager, Rep. Steve Holt, R-Denison, said transgender people still face higher rates of suicide after receiving care, and that this bill will stop children from receiving treatment that could have permanent health effects.
“Despite all medical and surgical efforts and suicide rate among transgender individuals documented in numerous studies to be much higher than those who embrace their chromosomal sex, the only outcome that actually results in decreased suicidality is desistance, or return to gender identity consistent with biological reality,” Holt said.
https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/ban-gender-affirming-care-transgender-minors-heads-reynolds-desk
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It is so hard for many trans youth to win the support of their parents. Under this bill, even if they have the support of the parents - and they and their doctors determine that puberty blockers/hormone replacement therapy are appropriate medical care, it will be illegal to allow them to obtain it.
Making this care inaccessible at puberty makes life more difficult not only in the present, but also in the future. Puberty has a critical and often permanent impact on the ability of trans adults, particularly women, to live in the world without being harassed and all too often often targeted for violence.
