Kansas' Democratic government, Laura Kelly, rejected a proposal to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth for the third year in a row, ruled by Republicans in the state who previously failed to overturn her. We set up another battle with Congress.
Kansas Senate Bill 63 broadly hinders gender-affirming medical care, such as adolescent blockers, hormone therapy and surgery, to minors diagnosed with gender discomfort. At birth.
The Help Not Harm Act will cut state support for transition-related care and place doctors who continue to be at risk of losing their medical licenses.
“It's unfortunate that Congress continues to push government interference in Kangsan's private health decisions rather than focusing on issues that improve the lives of all Kangsan,” Kelly said Tuesday. . In a statement.
“It is not appropriate to infringe on parents' rights, nor is it the value of Kansas. As I said before, standing between parents and children who need all kinds of medical care is not the job of a politician. ” she said. “The law will drive families, businesses and healthcare workers out of the state, curb the economy and exacerbate the issue of labor shortages.”
“Now, Congress should focus on how Kangsan can help deal with rising prices,” Kelly added. “That's the most important issue for Kangsan. That's my focus.”
The bill easily liquidated the state Senate with 32-8 votes later last month, with one Democrat joining all Republicans and passing the measure. The House vote was 85-35, shy of the two-thirds of the majority needed to override, with seven lawmakers (four Republicans and three Democrats) absent.
Kansas Republicans argue that such laws are necessary to protect children and teens from making medical decisions that they may later regret, but Democrats have said the bill is “extreme.” ” and warned that it goes far beyond healthcare regulations.
“The bill inserts politicians into a very personal private healthcare situation, which is contrary to Kansan's values,” Sen. Cindy Holsher (D) said in January.
Major healthcare providers say gender-affirming healthcare is medically necessary and can save lives for both trans adults and minors, but all trans people are medically You are not choosing to move to or using care.
Since 2021, almost half of the countries have adopted laws to ban gender maintenance care for transgender youth, and in some cases adults. Last month, President Trump signed an executive order to end federal support for transgender healthcare.
Kansas Republican said Congress is ready to override Kelly's veto.
“House Republicans are ready to override this reckless, meaningless veto,” state legislator Dan Hawkins (R). In a statement Tuesday night.
Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson (R) The state's upper chamber said “Speedly nullify her veto before the ink from her pen dries.”
