Why it matters: Texas has one of the largest transgender populations in the country.
Based on estimates from the Williams InstituteA research center reports that on LGBTQ demographics, nearly 30,000 transgender people ages 13 to 17 live in Texas, making the state one of the states with the largest number of transgender youth.
The measure signed by Mr Abbott, known as Senate Bill 14, attracted protests from transgender Texans and their supporters at the Capitol before it was passed by the legislature last month. Opponents denounce the measure as a politicized attack on transgender people. Advocates of the Texas law have called the treatments “mutilation”.
this is a debate among medical professionals about the age at which adolescents should have access to these treatments. But the top medical groups in the United States, including American Academy of Pediatricssays this care should be for minors and opposes legislative bans.
Background: The ban continues a wave of conservative laws that restrict transgender rights.
The law reflects efforts in Texas and elsewhere across the country by Republican-elected leaders to restrict transgender rights. The cause has become a vivid issue for social conservatives who seek to rally voters and raise money.
Since April 2021, when Arkansas Be the first outlawing transitional medical treatment for minors, more than a dozen other states have passed bills or policies that seek to ban what doctors call gender-affirming care. count.
Republican officials in several states have also try to limit health care for transgender adultsin some cases try to prevent youth care or by imposing restrictions on Medicaid coverage.
In Texas, officials have taken other steps to try to prevent transgender children from accessing transitional medical care. Last year, Mr Abbott directed the state’s child protection agency to investigate parents for child abuse if their children were treated like that. Some Texas Families run away from the state As a result, even if the investigation was challenge in court.
What’s Next: Some uncertainty remains.
Under the bill, minors who have received medically prescribed treatment will be able “within a period of time and in a safe and medically appropriate manner” to self-medicate.
But it’s not clear whether doctors would feel comfortable continuing to provide that care.
The bill gave enforcement powers to the state attorney general. When the state Legislature passed the bill last month, Ken Paxton took that position. But next week, the state House of Representatives impeachment vote he. Mr. Abbott’s name is John Scotta longtime ally and former Texas secretary of state, as interim replacement while Mr. Paxton awaits his impeachment trial in the Senate.
The law is likely to face legal challenges for three months before it is expected to take effect.
David Montgomery and J. David Goodman contribution report.
