South Dakota governor bans gender-related medical treatments for minorsUPI, Feb 14, 2023
Feb. 14 (UPI) -- South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem has signed a bill into law that bans hormone therapy and surgical procedures for minors seeking gender-related healthcare in the state.
House bill 1080, which will take effect July 1, outlaws several specific medical treatments, including sterilization and reconstructive surgeries, the administration of any drug that inhibits normal puberty; testosterone, estrogen or progesterone injections; and anyone under 18 is prohibited from receiving prescription drugs that promote gender transition.
"South Dakota's kids are our future," Noem said Monday before signing the bill. "With this legislation, we are protecting kids from harmful, permanent medical procedures. I will always stand up for the next generation of South Dakotans."
Violating the law could lead to civil legal penalties, and worse, providers could lose their licenses to practice healthcare in the state.
The move by South Dakota is the latest in a wider Republican effort nationwide to target LGBTQ rights, including gender-affirming care for minors.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed a similar law in late January, which bans surgical procedures that alter sex characteristics on minors.
Last April, Alabama made it a felony for doctors to provide gender-affirming care to minors, and the Florida Department of Health barred social transition care for children who identify as transgender or gender diverse.
A total of 93 similar bills to restrict LGBTQ access to healthcare are being considered in state legislatures across the country, according to the American Civil Liberties Union.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2023/02/14/south-dakota-governor-KristiNoem-bans-gender-therapy-for-minors/2121676372799/
