Lawmakers propose sweeping ban on gender surgeries for minors
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In a recent legislative session, a bill was passed that prohibits primary and secondary sex characteristic surgeries on minors diagnosed with gender dysphoria, establishing a uniform policy across the board. The legislation aims to prevent minors from making significant medical decisions regarding their bodies, with exceptions only for surgeries deemed medically necessary.
The bill reinforces existing guidelines, noting that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve aesthetic breast augmentation for individuals under 18, aligning with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' recommendation that such procedures should only be performed on those aged 18 and older. The intent is to ensure that all minors, regardless of their circumstances, are subject to the same restrictions concerning body-altering surgeries.
During the meeting, committee members raised questions about the implications of the bill, particularly regarding medically indicated procedures that may not be classified as medically necessary. Representative Ivory inquired about the potential impact on surgeries like breast reduction, which can be medically indicated. The bill's language is currently under review to clarify these terms and ensure that necessary medical procedures are not inadvertently restricted.
Public comments included support for the bill's intent, emphasizing the risks associated with allowing minors to undergo significant surgeries without fully developed decision-making capabilities. However, concerns were also voiced about the potential for unintended consequences, particularly regarding specific medical conditions that may require surgical intervention before a patient turns 18.
The committee acknowledged the complexity of the issue and committed to refining the language of the bill to balance the need for protective measures with the necessity of allowing appropriate medical care for minors. Further discussions will focus on ensuring that the legislation does not hinder access to essential medical procedures while maintaining its protective intent.
The bill reinforces existing guidelines, noting that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve aesthetic breast augmentation for individuals under 18, aligning with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' recommendation that such procedures should only be performed on those aged 18 and older. The intent is to ensure that all minors, regardless of their circumstances, are subject to the same restrictions concerning body-altering surgeries.
During the meeting, committee members raised questions about the implications of the bill, particularly regarding medically indicated procedures that may not be classified as medically necessary. Representative Ivory inquired about the potential impact on surgeries like breast reduction, which can be medically indicated. The bill's language is currently under review to clarify these terms and ensure that necessary medical procedures are not inadvertently restricted.
Public comments included support for the bill's intent, emphasizing the risks associated with allowing minors to undergo significant surgeries without fully developed decision-making capabilities. However, concerns were also voiced about the potential for unintended consequences, particularly regarding specific medical conditions that may require surgical intervention before a patient turns 18.
The committee acknowledged the complexity of the issue and committed to refining the language of the bill to balance the need for protective measures with the necessity of allowing appropriate medical care for minors. Further discussions will focus on ensuring that the legislation does not hinder access to essential medical procedures while maintaining its protective intent.
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