Bill introduced to prohibit gender transition procedures for minors

Sen. Bryant Richardson, R-Seaford, and Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, R-Long Neck, teamed up Feb. 21 in sponsoring a bill that would prohibit gender transition procedures for minors in Delaware.

The Delaware Save Adolescents from Experimentation Act – Senate Bill 55 – aligns with recent federal action taken by President Donald Trump, who signed an executive order in January aimed at protecting children from irreversible medical interventions, officials said.

SB 55 would prohibit healthcare providers from administering puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and gender transition surgeries to minors, citing concerns over the long-term effects and the potential for regret among young individuals. The bill also bans the use of public funds for such procedures and restricts insurance coverage for minors seeking gender transition treatments.

“Children deserve the opportunity to grow up without being subjected to life-altering medical interventions that they may later regret,” Richardson said in a press release. “This legislation is about protecting our youth from experimental procedures that have permanent consequences. The challenge in Delaware will be to introduce overwhelming evidence about the dangers to youth who are subjected to such treatments and to dispel biased and inaccurate information from those who profit from providing treatments.” 

Hilovsky, a retired doctor of optometry, agreed.

“In recent years, there has been a disturbing rush to perform transsexual transitions on minors,” he said in a press release. “This bill will protect our youngest citizens while empowering them to deliberatively explore their identities so they are appropriately prepared to make the most profound decisions of their lives.”

SB 55 awaits action in the Senate Health & Social Services Committee.