House Passes MTG’s Landmark Bill to Ban Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a contentious bill on Wednesday. The “Protect Children’s Innocence Act” seeks to ban certain medical treatments for transgender youth. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Sponsored by Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, the vote was narrowly approved. The final tally was 216 votes in favor to 211 against. This marks a significant legislative move on the issue of gender-affirming care ban for minors.

Bill Details and Potential Penalties

The proposed legislation aims to amend federal law. It specifically targets procedures it defines as “genital or bodily mutilation” for minors. This includes surgeries intended to align a minor’s body with a gender different from their sex at birth.

It also prohibits prescribing puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones for minors. According to Reuters, performing such procedures would become a federal crime. Penalties could reach up to 10 years in prison and substantial fines for healthcare providers.

Representative Greene argued the bill protects children from irreversible decisions. She stated it criminalizes care for minors, not adults. The bill explicitly maintains existing bans on female genital mutilation.

Political Divide and Path Forward

The vote fell almost entirely along party lines. Supporters frame it as a child protection measure. Opponents condemn it as a harmful government overreach into private medical decisions.

The bill’s future is uncertain in the Democrat-controlled Senate. It is seen as a reflection of the Trump administration’s policy direction on transgender issues. Former President Trump campaigned on similar restrictions.

Advocacy groups strongly oppose the legislation. The Advocates for Trans Equality stated it attacks the freedom of transgender people to make decisions about their own bodies. They argue it enforces rigid ideas of sex and gender.

The fate of this proposed gender-affirming care ban now rests with the U.S. Senate, setting the stage for a major national debate on healthcare, rights, and government authority.

Info at your fingertips

What does the Protect Children’s Innocence Act do?

The bill makes it a federal crime to perform gender-affirming surgical procedures on minors. It also bans prescribing puberty blockers or hormones for gender transition purposes for anyone under 18.

What are the penalties under this bill?

Healthcare professionals found guilty of performing banned procedures face severe penalties. These include up to a decade in prison and significant financial fines.

Does the bill affect adult transgender care?

No, the legislation specifically targets medical interventions for minors. Adults seeking gender-affirming care would not be affected by this federal proposal.

What happens to the bill next?

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Its chances of passing are considered low in the current Senate, but it will likely fuel continued political debate.

Why is this bill controversial?

Major medical associations support age-appropriate gender-affirming care as medically necessary. Opponents of the bill argue it interferes with private healthcare decisions and harms vulnerable youth.