A new bill introduced in the Delaware Senate aims to prohibit gender transition surgeries for minors and prevent public funding or insurance coverage for such procedures. Senate Bill 55, sponsored bState Sen. Bryant Richardson with support from Rep. Hilovsky and several other legislators, is currently awaiting consideration in the Senate Health & Social Services Committee.
The proposed legislation, titled An Act to Amend Title 16 of the Delaware Code Relating to Gender Transition Procedures, outlines restrictions on medical interventions for minors, citing concerns over the permanence of gender transition surgeries and the possibility that some individuals may later identify with their biological sex.
If enacted, the bill would bar physicians and healthcare providers from performing gender transition surgeries on individuals under 18. Additionally, any medical professional who refers a minor for such a procedure or performs the surgery could face disciplinary action from the state’s licensing or review boards. The bill also allows for legal recourse, permitting individuals to seek compensatory damages or injunctive relief in cases of violations.
The legislation has drawn both support and opposition. Proponents argue that restricting gender transition procedures for minors protects children from making irreversible medical decisions at a young age. Opponents contend that the bill undermines access to medically necessary care for transgender youth and infringes on the rights of families and medical professionals.
Currently, SB 55 remains in committee, where it will be reviewed before any potential advancement to the Senate floor.