Florida to block gender affirming care for transgender minors

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The Florida Medical Board has voted on a draft ruling that will ban gender-affirming care for transgender children under the age of 18. The draft includes the prohibition of hormone blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries for children under 18. Medical board members were subjected to a five-hour protest against such a decision. The protestors throughout their time in the Orlando Airport lobby shouting the word “shame”. 

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a not legally necessary standard in April 2022 to the Florida Department of Health to stop gender transitioning and gender-affirming procedures. 

Governor DeSantis has faced other backlash for his determination to banish transgender rights. When Lia Thomas, a 500-yard freestyle swimmer became the first known transgender swimmer to win a Division 1 championship. DeSantis in Wesley Chapel signing a school financial literacy bill commented on the NCAA decision to crown Thomas as the winner. 

According to the Washington Post, “By allowing men to compete in women’s sports, the NCAA is destroying opportunities for women, making a mockery of its championships, and perpetuating a fraud,” DeSantis said. “In Florida, we reject these lies and recognize Sarasota’s Emma Weyant as the best women’s swimmer in the 500-yard freestyle.” 

There was a chance for members of the public to share their perspectives on this divisive topic. The board were faced with individuals including the Director of the Transgender Rights Initiative at Southern Legal Counsel, an 18-year-old detransitioner, doctors, parents, and a consulting psychologist who were in favor or against. 

In the proposal, children will be allowed to continue the hormonal treatments that they’ve previously received. But the board added that they would allow minors to take puberty blockers only if they participate in a federally approved clinical trial at an affiliated university. 

Both the Florida Board of Medicine and the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine voted to draft a ruling restricting Florida doctors from providing treatment for transgender minors. The board members are set to make their final decision on November 4.