The North Dakota House of Representatives has passed a bill banning transgender surgeries and treatments for minors, putting the state one step closer to a permanent ban on such dangerous treatments.
The bill passed last week by a vote of 66-25 and now moves to the state Senate for its final approval.
Per Just the News:
Medical professionals who perform gender reassignment surgeries could be found guilty of a Class B felony, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
Prescribing puberty blockers or hormones would constitute a Class A misdemeanor, according to the bill.
Physicians from across the state filed written testimony opposing the bill.
“If these house bills pass, this state becomes a very dangerous place for transgender and gender diverse people,” said Dr. Rachel Peterson, a Bismarck obstetrician and gynecologist. “Multiple studies have shown that gender-affirming care is lifesaving. People who receive this care report lifelong improvements in their mental health and a significantly reduced risk of suicide. This is especially noted in patients under the age of 18.”
The House did not pass one measure, though, that would have permitted parents to sue doctors and hospitals for providing the treatments that caused death for up to 30 years from treatment given in contravention to the law.
Critics felt that 30 years was a bit too long to give as a statue of limitations.
Still, supporters felt that the procedures are so new that it could take up to 30 years to find out just how dangerous they really are.
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