New Hampshire Moves to Ban Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Minors
Concord, NH — In a significant legislative shift, New Hampshire lawmakers approved two bills on Thursday aimed at banning most forms of gender-affirming care for transgender minors. The first bill prohibits medical professionals from administering puberty blockers or hormone treatments to individuals under the age of 18. However, minors currently receiving these treatments will be permitted to continue until the end of the year. The second bill specifically forbids gender-affirming chest surgeries for anyone younger than 18.
The legislation has now been sent to Governor Kelly Ayotte for final approval, but her office has yet to confirm whether she will sign the bills into law. This move signals a broader trend among Republican lawmakers in New Hampshire, who have made combating what they describe as "radical gender ideology" a focal point of their legislative agenda.
Last year, New Hampshire also enacted measures that limited gender-affirming surgeries for minors and barred transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports. Critics of the current bills argue that they undermine access to essential healthcare supported by major medical associations, which advocate for gender-affirming care as critical for the well-being of transgender youth. Proponents, on the other hand, argue that such treatments are inappropriate for children and raise concerns about potential side effects.
As the nation grapples with ongoing debates surrounding transgender rights and healthcare access, New Hampshire’s latest actions reflect a growing divide among states regarding the rights of transgender individuals and their access to medical care. The outcome of Governor Ayotte’s decision will be closely monitored as advocates on both sides prepare for the next stage of this contentious issue.
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