Professions and Businesses; health care providers from performing specified practices on minors relating to altering a person's appearance relating to gender; prohibit
Impact
The proposed legislation, if enacted, will significantly change how medical interventions related to gender identity are administered to minors in Georgia. It emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in decisions about minors' healthcare regarding gender perception. Additionally, the bill outlines that specific actions taken against healthcare providers who violate this law can lead to complaints that are actionable in courts, thus establishing a formal mechanism for enforcement. Furthermore, it suggests that healthcare providers engaging in practices contrary to the bill may be subjected to disciplinary actions by their licensing entities.
Summary
Senate Bill 141 aims to regulate the practices of healthcare providers concerning minors and gender transition procedures in Georgia. The bill prohibits healthcare providers from performing or assisting in medical procedures intended to alter the gender appearance of minors. This includes the administration of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and any surgeries that would lead to permanent changes in minors' biological sex. The legislation is presented with the argument that there is a significant government interest in protecting minors, who may be vulnerable to making irreversible decisions about their gender identity without sufficient evidence of long-term benefits from such procedures.
Contention
The bill has sparked considerable debate among lawmakers and the public. Advocates of the bill argue that it is a necessary protective measure for minors who might not fully comprehend the implications of medical transition. Conversely, opponents contend that the bill undermines the autonomy of healthcare providers and the rights of minors to receive comprehensive medical care, including mental health support regarding their gender identity. Additionally, critics raise concerns about the potential harm that denying these healthcare options could impose on transgender minors, suggesting that such restrictions could exacerbate feelings of distress and lead to negative health outcomes.
Prohibiting gender transition procedures for minors, relative to sex and gender in public schools, and relative to the definition of conversion therapy.
Prohibits gender transition procedures for all minors, uses of public funds, discipline for health care providers, a 30 year statute of limitation, after reaching age of majority, and right to a civil action for damages.
Prohibits gender transition procedures for all minors, uses of public funds for that purpose, discipline for health care providers for providing same, a thirty (30) year statute of limitation, right to a civil action for damages.
Prohibits gender transition procedures for all minors, uses of public funds for that purpose, discipline for health care providers for providing same, a thirty (30) year statute of limitation, right to a civil action for damages.
Relating to court costs imposed on conviction and deposited to the courthouse security fund or the municipal court building security fund; increasing fees.