Florida legislature passes bill restricting transgender healthcare for minors
Florida legislature passed HB 1421, which prohibits medical providers from prescribing puberty blockers or hormone treatments to individuals under 18.
The bill passed the state House 82-31 and Senate 26-13, largely along party lines.
Medical providers who violate the law face felony charges and loss of medical license.
The law includes exceptions for minors already receiving treatment as of the bill's effective date.
Who this impacts
An estimated 3,800 minors currently receiving gender-affirming care in Florida. Medical providers who prescribe these treatments. Families of transgender adolescents seeking medical care.
Why it matters
Medical organizations including the American Medical Association and American Academy of Pediatrics have stated these treatments can be medically necessary for some adolescents. Bill supporters have stated concerns about long-term effects of medical interventions before adulthood.
Background
Florida becomes the 23rd state to restrict or ban gender-affirming medical care for minors. Similar legislation has been enacted in Alabama, Arkansas, and Texas since 2021.
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