Legislature introduces bill to ban gender transition treatments for minors in Colorado

The Colorado State Legislature's House Health & Human Services Committee convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss a controversial bill aimed at regulating gender transition procedures for minors. The proposed legislation seeks to prohibit irreversible medical interventions, such as puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender transition surgeries for individuals under 18. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary to protect children and their families from potentially harmful medical practices.

During the meeting, a key speaker emphasized the importance of parental rights and informed consent, claiming that many parents are misled by medical professionals regarding the risks associated with gender transition treatments. The speaker asserted that children are not capable of understanding the long-term consequences of such medical decisions, including potential infertility and lifelong dependency on medical interventions.

The bill also aims to ensure that taxpayer funds are not used to support gender transition treatments for minors and to strengthen parental rights by mandating transparency from schools and government agencies regarding a child's mental and physical health. The speaker criticized the current medical community's approach, suggesting that it lacks sufficient evidence and ethical considerations, particularly regarding the long-term outcomes of gender-affirming care.

Opponents of the bill argue that it undermines the rights of transgender youth and their families to access necessary medical care. They contend that gender-affirming treatments can significantly improve mental health outcomes for transgender individuals. The discussion highlighted a deep divide in perspectives on the issue, with advocates for the bill calling for caution and protection, while opponents emphasize the importance of affirming care for those experiencing gender dysphoria.

As the committee continues to deliberate, the implications of this legislation could have far-reaching effects on the healthcare options available to transgender minors in Colorado. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments to the bill as it moves through the legislative process.