### House Passes Controversial Bill to Criminalize Gender-Affirming Care for Minors On December 18, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protect Children's Innocence Act, a bill aimed at criminalizing gender-affirming medical treatments for minors. The legislation, which passed with a narrow margin of 216-211, has sparked significant debate regarding its implications for healthcare and the rights of transgender youth. The bill, primarily sponsored by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, seeks to prohibit surgeries and hormonal therapies for minors, with exceptions only for rare medical conditions. This legislative move reflects a growing trend among states to restrict access to gender-affirming care, raising concerns among healthcare professionals and advocates about the potential impact on the mental and physical well-being of transgender youth [https://washingtonstand.com/article/house-passes-bill-aiming-to-protect-minors-from-genderaffirming-care-but-policy-concerns-remain][https://nypost.com/2025/12/17/us-news/house-passes-marjorie-taylor-greenes-bill-to-criminalize-transgender-surgeries-on-minors]. ### Breakdown of the Legislative Action and Its Implications 1. **Legislative Overview** - The Protect Children's Innocence Act criminalizes gender-affirming care for minors, imposing penalties of up to 10 years in prison for healthcare providers and parents who facilitate such treatments [https://conservativeangle.com/house-passes-bill-to-criminalize-gender-affirming-care-for-minors]. - The bill passed with support from three Democrats, while four Republicans opposed it, indicating some division within the party [https://justthenews.com/government/congress/house-passes-legislation-makes-performing-transgender-surgeries-minors-felony]. 2. **Policy Concerns** - Critics argue that the bill undermines medical autonomy and could lead to negative health outcomes for transgender minors who may require gender-affirming care [https://www.huffpost.com/entry/marjorie-taylor-greene-anti-trans-bill-gender-affirming-care_n_6942f582e4b045d9788c8389]. - Supporters claim the legislation is necessary to protect children from irreversible medical procedures before they reach adulthood [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/us-house-passes-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-for-minors/articleshow/126048267.cms]. 3. **Next Steps in the Legislative Process** - Following its passage in the House, the bill is set to move to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain amid ongoing debates about healthcare rights and protections for minors [https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/us-house-passes-bill-to-ban-gender-transition-treatments-for-minors]. ### Evidence and Data Supporting the Legislative Action - **Vote Breakdown**: The bill passed with a vote of 216-211, highlighting a closely divided House [https://justthenews.com/government/congress/house-passes-legislation-makes-performing-transgender-surgeries-minors-felony]. - **Public Sentiment**: Polls indicate a growing divide in public opinion regarding gender-affirming care for minors, with many advocating for parental rights and child protection [https://www.lifezette.com/2025/12/house-approves-mtg-bill-targeting-gender-transition-care-for-kids-watch]. - **State Legislation Trends**: The bill reflects a broader trend of state-level legislation aimed at restricting access to gender-affirming care, with numerous states enacting similar laws in recent years [https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2025/12/18/us-house-passes-bill-to-ban-gender-affirming-care-for-trans-minors/202446]. ### Conclusion: Implications of the House's Decision The passage of the Protect Children's Innocence Act marks a significant shift in the legislative landscape regarding gender-affirming care for minors. **Key findings include**: 1. The bill criminalizes gender-affirming treatments for minors, raising concerns about healthcare access and the rights of transgender youth. 2. The narrow vote reflects deep divisions within Congress and among the public regarding this contentious issue. 3. The bill's future in the Senate remains uncertain, as advocates and opponents prepare for further debate. As this legislation moves forward, its implications for healthcare providers, parents, and transgender minors will be closely monitored [https://www.advocate.com/politics/mtg-trans-youth-care-ban][https://www.tag24.com/politics/us-politics/house-passes-marjorie-taylor-greenes-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-for-minors-3450400].