Wyoming Senate Bill SF0144

Wyoming 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Report Pass: 2/3/23
• Engrossed: 2/8/23
• Refer: 2/15/23
• Report DNP: 2/22/23
• Failed: 2/27/23

Caption

Chloe's law-children gender change prohibition.

Impact

If enacted, SF0144 would significantly alter existing state health care regulations, rendering gender transitioning procedures for minors illegal unless they fall under the narrowly defined exceptions. The bill would also introduce consequences for healthcare providers, including the suspension or revocation of their licenses if they conduct procedures prohibited by the law. Furthermore, insurance policies would be mandated to exclude coverage for any gender-related services pertaining to children, reshaping the financial landscape of healthcare for families seeking such care.

Summary

Senate File 0144, known as Chloe's Law, seeks to prohibit healthcare providers from performing gender transitioning and reassignment procedures on minors. This includes a ban on surgeries that sterilize children and the administration of puberty-blocking drugs. The bill provides exceptions only in specific cases involving medically verifiable genetic disorders or central precocious puberty, where parental consent is required. By establishing these strict guidelines, the bill aims to restrict the medical practices surrounding gender transition for individuals under the age of eighteen in Wyoming.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding SF0144 appears to be sharply divided along ideological lines. Supporters, primarily from conservative sectors, advocate that the bill protects children from making irreversible decisions at a young age and allows for the preservation of traditional medical practices. Conversely, opponents, including many healthcare professionals and advocacy groups, argue that the bill undermines the rights of families and children to make individual healthcare choices and could lead to harmful psychological consequences for gender non-conforming youth.

Contention

Debates surrounding the bill have sparked considerable contention. Opponents criticize the blanket prohibitions on medical procedures as overly restrictive and harmful, citing evidence of the benefits of affirming care for transgender youth. On the other hand, proponents argue that the bill is essential for safeguarding children against what they see as premature medical decisions. The discussion reflects broader societal conflicts regarding gender identity and the role of medical interventions in the lives of minors, making SF0144 a highly controversial piece of legislation.