Michigan Republicans Propose Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

In Maine, lawmakers are considering a bill to exempt minors from mandatory reporting of sexual orientation and gender identity during every health care visit, aiming to give providers more discretion and protect the privacy and safety of young patients. This proposal, supported by medical associations, comes amid increasing scrutiny of transgender rights and gender affirming care nationwide. Meanwhile, in Michigan, Republican lawmakers Rep. Brad Paquette and Sen. Thomas Albert have introduced legislation to ban gender transition procedures for minors, including hormone treatments, puberty blockers, and surgeries, with limited exceptions for certain medical conditions. Their bill also seeks to expand malpractice claims and requires insurance coverage for detransition care. The Michigan proposal reflects a broader conservative effort to restrict gender-affirming care for youth, although it faces opposition from LGBTQ+ advocates and is unlikely to pass in the Democrat-controlled Senate. Both states' debates highlight the ongoing national conflict over how to address gender identity issues in minors within health care and legal frameworks.