The Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate are currently embroiled in a contentious debate over the future of transgender and non-binary healthcare in the state. Two conflicting bills have been introduced, each representing vastly different perspectives on the rights and needs of transgender and non-binary youth.
House Bill: Protecting Youth Development
Representative Brad Roae (R-Crawford, Erie) introduced the first bill, which seeks to outlaw gender-changing surgery and puberty blockers for children under the age of 18. Roae’s bill is grounded in the belief that adolescents are not yet equipped to make such life-altering decisions due to their ongoing cognitive development.
“Research shows that the brain continues to develop and grow well into a person’s 20s, and adolescence ends after 24,” Roae stated in his memorandum. He emphasized that adolescents are “less capable of making thoughtful decisions, are more likely to make impulsive decisions and be influenced by peer pressure than when they are older.”
Roae argues that the current system, which allows minors to undergo irreversible gender-changing procedures and access puberty blockers, fails to account for the lack of social-emotional and cognitive control in youth. He stresses that while gender-affirming care can be critical, it must be balanced with the recognition of an adolescent’s mental capacity, maturity, and ongoing brain development.
Senate Bill: Ensuring Access to Gender-Affirming Care
In stark contrast, Senators Amanda Cappelletti (D-Delaware, Montgomery) and Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) have introduced a bill in the Senate that aims to protect access to gender-affirming care for transgender and non-binary youth. Their bill, titled “The Protection of Trans Kids and their Parents Act,” seeks to safeguard the rights of families seeking evidence-based, medically necessary care for their children.
“Empirical evidence has well established that trans and non-binary gender identities are normal variations of human identity and expression,” Cappelletti wrote in her memorandum. She highlighted that denying gender-affirming care can have dire consequences, citing studies that show heightened risks of suicide and self-harm among transgender and non-binary youth who do not receive appropriate care.
Cappelletti and Street’s bill aims to ensure that parents and guardians cannot be investigated or punished for obtaining gender-affirming care for their children. “Every major medical association in the United States recognizes the necessity of transition-related care as a treatment option for improving the physical and mental health of transgender people,” Cappelletti emphasized.
The Broader Context
The debate in Pennsylvania mirrors a larger national conversation about the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals, particularly minors, to access gender-affirming care. Advocates for transgender rights argue that such care is crucial for the well-being and mental health of transgender youth. They point to numerous studies and endorsements from major medical associations that affirm the safety and necessity of gender-affirming treatments.
On the other hand, opponents, such as Roae, stress the importance of protecting young people from making irreversible decisions before they are fully capable of understanding the long-term implications. They argue that minors should not undergo procedures that could have permanent effects on their bodies until they reach an age where they can make more informed decisions.
The Impact on Transgender and Non-Binary Youth
For transgender and non-binary youth and their families, the stakes are high. The ability to access gender-affirming care can be a matter of life and death. Many transgender individuals report significant improvements in their mental health and overall well-being after receiving gender-affirming treatments. Conversely, those who are denied such care often experience severe psychological distress, including higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
We spoke with several transgender youth and their families about the proposed legislation. Sarah, a 16-year-old transgender girl, shared her experience: “Starting hormone blockers was a turning point for me. It gave me hope and helped me feel more like myself. The thought of losing that access is terrifying.”
Her mother, Emily, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of trusting medical professionals and allowing families to make decisions based on their unique circumstances. “We consulted with doctors, therapists, and did extensive research. This was not a decision we made lightly. It’s about supporting our child and ensuring she can live a happy, healthy life.”
The Bottom Line
As the Pennsylvania legislature continues to debate these bills, the transgender community and their allies remain vigilant. Advocacy groups are mobilizing to ensure that the voices of transgender and non-binary individuals are heard. They contend that medical knowledge and the experiences of those it will affect should inform any legislation pertaining to healthcare.
For now, the future of transgender and non-binary healthcare in Pennsylvania remains uncertain. The outcome of this legislative battle will undoubtedly have profound implications for the rights and well-being of transgender and non-binary youth in the state.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the progress of these bills. In the meantime, we stand with the transgender community, advocating for policies that respect and affirm their identities and ensure access to the care they need to thrive.
