Oklahoma Senate Bill SB583

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

Health services for minors; prohibiting certain medical treatment for minors; providing penalty. Effective date.

Impact

The potential impact of SB583 on state laws is profound, as it will codify restrictions that prevent the provision of specific health services to minors seeking gender reassignment. This law aims to centralize the decision-making process regarding gender-related medical treatments, effectively barring youth from accessing certain forms of medical care that they or their families might deem necessary. The passage of this bill could also lead to significant changes in how health care is provided and regulated for transgender minors in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 583 introduces strict prohibitions on gender reassignment medical treatments for individuals under the age of eighteen in Oklahoma. The legislation specifically targets health care professionals who perform gender reassignment procedures, imposing penalties including the possibility of suspension or revocation of medical licenses. In defining 'gender reassignment medical treatment', the bill encompasses a range of interventions that typically assist minors in transitioning their gender identity, although it explicitly excludes behavioral health care services that do not have long-term impacts on gender.

Contention

Controversially, SB583 has sparked considerable debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents argue for the protection of minors, asserting that the bill is necessary to prevent potentially life-altering medical decisions that they believe young people may not be ready to make. Critics, including LGBTQ+ rights groups and healthcare advocates, argue that the bill denies critical healthcare access and undermines the autonomy and well-being of transgender minors. This division indicates a broader societal debate on the rights of minors in matters concerning their gender identity and medical care.