Controversial Bills Limiting Transgender Healthcare and Surgeries Gain Traction in Southern States

The Georgia House of Representatives has approved a bill that would ban most gender-affirming surgeries and hormone replacement therapies for transgender people under 18. The bill would still allow doctors to prescribe puberty-blocking medicines. The measure is part of a nationwide effort by conservatives to restrict transgender athletes, gender-affirming care, and drag shows. Opponents of the bill say it would hurt transgender children by requiring physicians to violate medical standards of care and would block parents from doing what they think is best for their children. The bill now goes back to the Senate for more debate.