Gender reassignment surgery; criminalize performance of upon minors.
Impact
The bill introduces criminal penalties for those found guilty of performing gender reassignment surgeries on minors, with penalties reaching up to $10,000 in fines and potential incarceration for terms ranging from five to fifteen years. For medical professionals, enhanced penalties include additional fines and prison terms. Furthermore, the legislation establishes a civil cause of action for individuals harmed by violations of the law, allowing them to seek damages from responsible entities. This could significantly affect how medical professionals approach gender identity treatment for minors in the state.
Summary
Senate Bill 2770 prohibits gender reassignment surgery for minors, stating the legislative intent to protect individuals under the age of 21 from undergoing such procedures, which are deemed irreversible and life-altering. The bill specifies that any medical professional who performs, attempts, or causes a gender reassignment surgery on a minor will be guilty of unprofessional conduct, resulting in the revocation of their medical license. The surgeries covered by the bill include a range of surgical interventions, from mastectomies to sterilization procedures.
Contention
Supporters argue that the bill is necessary to prevent minors who lack the capacity to understand the long-term repercussions of surgical procedures from making irreversible decisions. Opponents, however, express concern that the bill undermines the autonomy of minors and the rights of parents to make informed decisions regarding their children's healthcare. The bill also includes exceptions for minors diagnosed with medically verifiable genetic disorders, which has sparked debate about what constitutes appropriate medical care versus prohibited surgical interventions.