Missouri legislators have passed stringent regulations targeting transgender individuals, as they approved on Wednesday. The approved measures, which now await the signature of the Republican governor, entail the prohibition of gender-affirming healthcare and the implementation of restrictions on transgender girls and women participating in female sports teams.
Legislation passed by the Republican-led legislature in Missouri on Wednesday will result in the denial of access to puberty blockers, hormones, and gender-affirming surgery for transgender minors in the state.
Extension of restrictions
These restrictions also extend to certain adults, as Medicaid health care will no longer cover any form of gender-affirming care. Additionally, prisoners and inmates will be deprived of the option of undergoing gender-affirming surgery.
The legislation also includes a ban on transgender girls and women participating in female sports teams, which applies to all educational institutions from kindergarten through college, whether public or private.
It is important to note that both of these measures are set to expire in 2027.
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A warning from Parson
Governor Mike Parson issued a warning to lawmakers, indicating the possibility of extending the legislative session beyond its usual conclusion if they did not pass the gender-affirming care ban. The ban is slated to take effect on August 28, and it includes certain exceptions for minors who are already undergoing such treatments.
During a session on Wednesday, Republican Representative Brad Hudson expressed his support for the ban on the House floor, stating, “When you have kids being surgically and or chemically altered for life for no good reason, yes, it’s time for the government to get involved.”
The emotional nature of the debate led to Democrats shedding tears over the issue.
Democratic Representative Joe Adams passionately stated, “To deny these children care is to deny them their very existence,” emphasizing the significance of providing gender-affirming care for transgender individuals.
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A national trend
Missouri’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors is part of a broader national trend among conservatives seeking to impose restrictions on transgender and nonbinary individuals. In 2023, this issue, along with abortion, has emerged as a prominent theme in legislative sessions across the United States.
Currently, at least 16 states have implemented laws restricting or prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors. Furthermore, several states are still deliberating bills this year that aim to limit or ban such care, leading to a sense of uncertainty for many families.
In states like Florida and Texas, restrictions on care have been implemented through regulations or administrative orders, and a bill aiming to restrict care is currently awaiting the decision of Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
A commitment to their stance
Missouri’s legislative leaders have made a firm commitment to preventing minors from accessing puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries. Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who was appointed by Governor Parson in January to fill the vacant position, has taken up this cause as well.
In response to these restrictive measures, the Kansas City Council has been considering a resolution to establish Missouri’s largest city as a sanctuary for individuals seeking gender-affirming medical care.
Attorney General Bailey, who is currently campaigning for re-election in 2024, initiated an investigation in February into the Washington University Transgender Center in St. Louis.
The investigation was prompted by complaints from a former staff member, alleging that the center’s doctors were prescribing hormones too hastily and without sufficient mental health support. However, an internal review conducted by Washington University found no evidence of malpractice.
According to the rules established by Bailey, individuals seeking gender-affirming medical treatments would be required to provide documentation of experiencing an “intense pattern” of gender dysphoria for a minimum of three years. They would also need to undergo at least 15 hourly therapy sessions over a period of at least 18 months.
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Social media and autism to blame?
Additionally, screening for conditions such as autism and “social media addiction” would be mandatory, and a treatment provider would need to confirm that any underlying mental health concerns have been resolved. However, patients may be able to maintain their prescriptions as long as they promptly undergo the required assessments.
It’s important to note that these rules have faced legal challenges, and a judge has temporarily blocked their implementation pending further review of the legal case.
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