Prohibits certain surgical procedures on children born with variations in their sex characteristics.
Impact
If enacted, A4170 would significantly alter how healthcare professionals and facilities operate concerning surgical treatments for children with atypical sex characteristics. The bill necessitates that any surgical intervention genuinely be justified by physical health concerns rather than psychosocial factors, which will likely provoke discussions among medical practitioners about the ethical implications of delayed surgeries for non-urgent conditions. This shifts the standard for medical procedures performed on children, emphasizing protection over potentially unnecessary medical interventions driven by social constructs.
Summary
Assembly Bill A4170 seeks to prohibit certain surgical procedures on children born with variations in their sex characteristics, specifically targeting those who are 12 years old or younger. The bill dictates that procedures such as clitoroplasty, gonadectomy, and vaginoplasty are banned unless they are necessary to address an immediate risk of physical harm. This specific protection aims to safeguard vulnerable populations from irreversible surgical interventions that could be detrimental to their wellbeing and may not correspond to their personal decision-making capacity.
Contention
As anticipated, the bill's language has sparked debate. Proponents argue that it is crucial in protecting children from surgeries that carry lifelong physical and psychological effects, emphasizing the need for a patient-centered approach. Conversely, critics may contend that the bill unduly restricts parental rights and necessary medical autonomy by delaying essential care. The discourse surrounding A4170 illustrates the complexity at the intersection of healthcare, child rights, and the evolving understanding of gender diversity, indicating that community response to the bill could vary widely.
Certain surgical procedures being performed on patients under the age of 12 with certain exceptions prohibition and health-related licensing board disciplinary action authorization
Surgical procedures prohibited from being performed on patients under age 12 with certain exceptions, and disciplinary action by health-related licensing boards authorized.
To amend part E of title IV of the Social Security Act to require States to prohibit genital surgery on foster children with variations in sex characteristics who are under six years of age as a condition of receiving grants under such part.
Surgical procedures prohibited from being performed on patients under age 12 with certain exceptions, and disciplinary action by health-related licensing boards authorized.
Certain surgical procedures being performed on patients under the age of 12 with certain exceptions prohibition and health-related licensing board disciplinary action authorization
Public health and safety; defining terms; health care professionals; gender transition procedures; referrals; exceptions; public funds; Medicaid program reimbursements; felony penalties; statute of limitations; unprofessional conduct; license revocation; statute of limitations; claims or defenses; civil actions; administrative remedies; attorney fees; Attorney General; codification; effective date.