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Committee narrows bill on breast surgery for minors to clarify medical necessity and move it forward
Summary
After testimony from survivors, doctors and opponents, the committee adopted a 'medical necessity' amendment to SB520 to allow breast reductions for minors when the primary reason is physical (musculoskeletal pain, postural changes or inability to exercise) and moved the bill out as amended.
Sen. Tara Reardon introduced SB520 to add clarified exceptions to last year’s restrictions on minors’ breast surgeries so adolescents with medically necessary conditions (for example, severe back pain, posture issues or restriction of activity) can obtain reductions.
Reardon read a constituent’s account describing how a breast reduction in high school enabled military service and athletic participation. "That reduction was the best thing I did in my entire life," the constituent’s letter said and was read into the record.
Opponents, including Beth Skaer, told the committee such changes could reopen pathways to surgeries performed for gender‑dysphoria reasons and cited cases of surgical regret among some teens who later detransitioned. The committee considered two amendment options and adopted committee language that ties eligibility to medical necessity unrelated to gender dysphoria, specifically listing musculoskeletal pain, postural changes or physical discomfort that restricts exercise and activity as examples.
The committee voted to move SB520 out as amended by voice/consent and asked sponsors to refine statutory references for clarity about reconstructive exceptions already in statute.
