Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1311

Caption

Relating to the provision of and professional liability insurance coverage for gender transitioning or gender reassignment medical procedures and treatments for certain children.

Impact

This legislation significantly alters the landscape of healthcare for transgender minors in Texas. By prohibiting various medical procedures, SB1311 restricts access to what many proponents consider necessary healthcare for gender dysphoria. These restrictions could lead to potential legal implications for healthcare providers and heavily impact families seeking to navigate gender-related medical treatment for their children. Moreover, insurance companies will be barred from covering the costs associated with these prohibited treatments, effectively limiting financial avenues for families.

Summary

SB1311 addresses the provision of gender transitioning and gender reassignment medical procedures for children under 18 years of age. The bill imposes strict prohibitions on certain medical interventions, such as surgeries that sterilize minors, hormone treatments that induce infertility, and the removal of healthy body parts. It includes definitions for 'children' and 'health care providers' while also outlining the penalties for providers who violate these regulations. Importantly, it allows for exceptions in cases where a child has a verifiable genetic disorder related to sex development, provided the treatments are deemed medically necessary with parental consent.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1311 appears to be deeply divided. Supporters view the bill as a necessary measure to protect minors from irreversible medical decisions and potential long-term consequences of gender transitioning procedures. They argue that children are not mature enough to make such critical decisions about their identities. Conversely, opponents of the bill argue that it undermines the rights of minors and their families to seek appropriate medical care. They contend that the bill disregards the established practices of medical professionals, potentially leading to negative mental health outcomes for affected children.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the bill's strict prohibitions, which many fear could result in a legal and ethical dilemma for healthcare providers. The potential for disciplinary action against physicians who provide care could dissuade specialists from treating transgender youth altogether. The debate over the appropriate age of consent for medical decisions and the role of parents in healthcare decisions is also significant, indicating a broader societal conflict regarding gender identity, youth autonomy, and parental authority in medicine.

Companion Bills

TX HB2693

Same As Relating to the provision of and professional liability insurance coverage for gender transitioning or gender reassignment medical procedures and treatments for certain children.

TX HB1399

Similar To Relating to professional liability insurance coverage for and prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria.

Previously Filed As

TX SB250

Relating to the provision of and professional liability insurance coverage for gender transitioning or gender reassignment medical procedures and treatments for certain children.

TX HB41

Relating to professional liability insurance coverage for and prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria.

TX HB122

Relating to professional liability insurance coverage for and prohibitions on providing to certain children procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1532

Relating to professional liability insurance coverage for and prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria and to the abuse of a child.

TX SB14

Relating to prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria and on the use of public money or public assistance to provide those procedures and treatments.

TX HB1686

Relating to prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria and on the use of public money or public assistance to provide those procedures and treatments.

TX SB625

Relating to prohibitions on the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria and on the use of public money or public assistance to provide those procedures and treatments.

TX HB1752

Relating to liability for the provision to certain children of procedures and treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment, or gender dysphoria; providing a civil penalty.

TX HB4754

Relating to health benefit plan coverage for and prohibitions on gender transitioning procedures and treatments provided to certain individuals; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1029

Relating to civil liability for, governmental health plan coverage of, and public funding for gender modification procedures and treatments.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.