New Hampshire has taken a significant step by becoming the first state in New England to prohibit gender transition procedures for minors.
Recently, Governor Kelly Ayotte, a Republican, signed a pair of bills—House Bill 377 and House Bill 712—aimed at protecting children from certain medical procedures related to gender transition.
According to HB 377, medical professionals cannot prescribe hormone blockers or cross-sex hormones to anyone under 18 unless that individual had already received such treatments prior to the law taking effect on January 1, 2026. The legislation also enables minors to seek damages for these treatments and permits state medical boards to impose disciplinary measures on violators.
Meanwhile, HB 712 bans chest surgeries for minors—like double mastectomies or breast augmentation for males—unless they are medically essential for conditions such as cancer or traumatic injuries. This bill classifies such surgeries as unprofessional conduct, allowing the attorney general or affected minors to take legal action.
“Medical decisions made at a young age can have lifelong consequences, and these bills represent a balanced, bipartisan effort to protect children,” Ayotte stated.
Supporters of the legislation argue that it serves as a necessary protection for at-risk youth. Republican Senator Kevin Abbard remarked on the trend as resembling “almost a cult-like support of this gender confusion.” He emphasized the importance of hearing from individuals who regret their transition, stating, “They realized they had caused long-term and irreparable damage to their bodies. The testimony was overwhelming.”
New Hampshire’s move comes in the wake of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in United States vs. Skulmetti, which backed Tennessee’s ban on similar procedures, indicating no constitutional breaches were found under the Equal Protection Clause. Tennessee’s Attorney General Jonathan Skulmetti shared that this decision could encourage other states to adopt similar laws.
However, civil rights and LGBTQ advocacy groups have criticized the New Hampshire law, asserting it harms transgender youth and infringes on parental rights. Courtney Reid from the American Civil Liberties Union in New Hampshire described these laws as “merciless, cruel, and painful for transgender youth, their families, and healthcare providers.”
Chris Erchull, a senior staff attorney at GLBTQ legal advocates, labeled the bans as a serious threat to the rights of young people. He asserted that the focus should remain on accessible care rather than letting Congress dictate what is best for transgender youth and their families. Legal action could still be pursued based on the New Hampshire Constitution or custody protections.
