A new law signed by Puerto Rico’s governor has made the US territory one of the few places in the country where transgender youth are prohibited from receiving hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgeries. The legislation, which applies to individuals under 21 years old, carries a penalty of up to $50,000 and 15 years in prison for medical professionals who provide such care.
The law’s proponents argue that minors lack the emotional, cognitive, and physical maturity needed to make decisions about their transition. However, critics say this reasoning is flawed, as many transgender youth have already undergone significant changes in their lives before seeking hormone therapy or surgery.
Several major organizations, including GLAAD and the Puerto Rico LGBTQ+ Federation, have condemned the law, citing its cruel and inhumane impact on the lives of transgender young people. The US Supreme Court recently upheld a similar law from Tennessee, which restricts gender-affirming care for minors.
With many states already implementing laws restricting access to transition-related care, this move by Puerto Rico’s governor may further limit the options available to transgender youth seeking medical attention in the US.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/puerto-rico-law-ban-hormone-therapy-gender-affirming-surgery-transgender-youth