House panel reopens hearings on transgender medical-care bills after hours of testimony from parents, clinicians and advocates

The Missouri House Emerging Issues Committee held an extended public hearing on several bills (including House Bill 35, HB 1016, HB 10308 and HB 1081) proposing to remove a sunset and further restrict gender‑affirming medical care for minors. Sponsors said the measures are intended to protect children; opponents — including health professionals and parents — said the bills would harm young patients and interfere with clinical judgment.

The hearing opened with sponsors who described the bills as a continuation of earlier state efforts. Representative Billington, Representative Gregg and Representative Ben Baker characterized the measures as protections against experimental treatments for minors and urged that the current sunset in law be removed so the prohibitions remain permanent.

Medical witnesses at the hearing divided sharply. Dr. Kenneth Haller, a retired pediatrician, testified in opposition and said he had seen clinical evidence that gender‑affirming care can…