A civil cause of action for a minor injured by a gender transition procedure.
Impact
The bill significantly alters existing laws regarding healthcare for minors by imposing strict liability standards on providers facilitating gender transition procedures. It requires comprehensive documentation and certifications from multiple healthcare professionals before such treatments can be administered, which includes demonstrating a consistent perceived gender over at least two years. This places significant barriers on minors seeking gender-affirming care, potentially raising questions regarding access to critical healthcare services for transgender youth.
Summary
Assembly Bill 400 establishes a legal framework for civil lawsuits against healthcare providers who perform gender transition procedures on minors. Specifically, it aims to create a cause of action for individuals under 18 who claim to have suffered injuries as a result of such procedures. The bill highlights that any physical, psychological, emotional, or physiological harm inflicted by a gender transition treatment would allow the minor or their guardians to sue for damages. Importantly, the law stipulates that these actions must be initiated before the individual reaches the age of 33 years.
Contention
Controversy surrounds AB400, particularly regarding its implications for the rights of transgender minors and their access to necessary health care. Proponents argue that the bill ensures that minors are not subjected to irreversible medical procedures without adequate safeguards, referencing claims of potential medical harms associated with such treatments. Opponents contend that the bill could obstruct necessary medical care for transgender youth and might expose healthcare providers to unnecessary legal risks for following established medical guidelines. The discussions reflect deep divisions in public health and civil rights communities regarding the balance between safeguarding vulnerable populations and ensuring access to gender-affirming treatments.
Relating to health benefit plan coverage for and prohibitions on gender transitioning procedures and treatments provided to certain individuals; creating a criminal offense.
Prohibits pre-approval or precertification of cancer treatments, tests, procedures and prescription drugs covered under health benefits or prescription drug benefits plans.
Prohibits pre-approval or precertification of cancer treatments, tests, procedures and prescription drugs covered under health benefits or prescription drug benefits plans.