Indiana Bans Gender-Related Medical Procedures for Minors

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has signed a bill that prohibits gender-related medical procedures for minors, joining over a dozen other US states that have implemented similar legislation, according to a Fox News report.

Republican majorities in the state legislature supported the bill, which will go into effect on July 1.

Governor Holcomb defended his decision, stating that “permanent gender-changing surgeries with lifelong impacts and medically prescribed preparation for such a transition should occur as an adult, not as a minor.”

This sentiment was echoed by supporters of the bill who contended that gender-related care carries irreversible side effects that only adults should consent to.

However, critics of the bill argued that hormone therapy and puberty blockers are critical and even life-saving treatments for transgender children.

They also noted that the procedures banned in the bill are reversible and safe for minors, and have been endorsed by major medical associations for over a decade.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Indiana expressed disappointment with the law and pledged to fight it in court.

Executive Director Jane Henegar said, “In addition to targeting an already vulnerable group, this law blatantly disregards the rights of parents and families to make decisions about their children’s health.”

The legislation also bans gender-transition surgeries for minors, although hospital representatives in Indiana have said that such surgeries are not performed on minors in the state.

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