Hawaii House Bill HB891

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23
• Refer: 1/30/23

Caption

Relating To Gender Transition Surgery.

Impact

If passed, HB891 would amend Hawaii Revised Statutes, specifically adding a section that categorizes performing gender transition surgeries on minors as a Class A felony. This change signifies severe legal repercussions for healthcare professionals who contravene this law. The bill also highlights the legislature's concerns regarding minors' capability to make informed decisions about their bodies and future, asserting that children should be protected from lifelong ramifications of such medical procedures.

Summary

House Bill 891 (HB891) is a legislative proposal aimed at prohibiting gender transition surgeries for minors in the State of Hawaii. The bill specifies that minors under the age of 18 would not be able to undergo any gender reassignment or transition surgeries, which can include procedures such as double mastectomies, phalloplasty, vaginoplasty, and various other surgical interventions aimed at altering one's biological sex characteristics. The intent behind the bill is to safeguard children from making irreversible medical decisions that they may not fully understand or be capable of consenting to due to their age and development level.

Contention

The discussions around HB891 could raise significant debate and division within the community and the legislature. Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to protect minors from making life-altering decisions too early, in light of numerous stories from detransitioners who later regretted their decisions. However, opposition voices may contend that such prohibitions infringe on the rights of individuals to access necessary medical care and support for their gender identity. Critics might also express concern that the bill could exacerbate disparities in healthcare access for transgender youth and reinforce stigma.