The House of Representatives passed a bill aimed at prohibiting doctors from performing transgender surgeries on minors and administering puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones to children. The legislation, known as the "Protect Children’s Innocence Act," was introduced by outgoing Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) and passed by a narrow margin of 216-211. The bill stipulates that healthcare providers who violate these prohibitions could face significant fines or imprisonment for up to ten years.
During the debate, Greene emphasized the responsibility of lawmakers to protect children, arguing that many Americans believe minors should wait until adulthood to make significant medical decisions regarding gender identity. The bill garnered bipartisan support, with three Democrats—Reps. Henry Cuellar, Donald Davis, and Vicente Gonzalez—voting alongside 213 Republicans in favor. Notably, four Republicans opposed the measure.
The proposed legislation specifically targets the administration of cross-sex hormones and the performance of genital surgeries on minors, which proponents argue can have long-term health implications. Critics of the bill, however, express concerns about the potential impact on transgender youth seeking medical assistance.
The passage of this bill aligns with ongoing legislative efforts in various states, as over two dozen states have moved to implement similar bans on transgender procedures for minors in recent years. The legislation will now be sent to the Senate, where similar proposals have previously been introduced but have yet to progress.
Supporters, including American Principles Project President Terry Schilling, have lauded the bill as a necessary step in protecting children, while opponents argue it may limit access to essential healthcare for transgender youth. The unfolding debate reflects the broader national discourse surrounding gender identity and medical care for minors.