Adolescence is a pivotal time for physical and hormonal development. Medical interventions that alter puberty or hormone levels can have serious, long-term health consequences, including impacts on bone health, fertility, and overall physical development. Current research on long-term outcomes for minors undergoing gender-reaffirming medical treatments is limited, and irreversible effects may occur.

 

Under my presidency, I will pressure congress to;

1. Restrict access to medical interventions related to gender transition for minors

• This includes but is not limited to; hormone blockers, puberty blockers, surgical procedures.
• While parents may consent to medical treatments for their children in many contexts, this policy specifies that parental consent alone is insufficient to authorize gender-reaffirming interventions for individuals under 18 due to the medical risks involved.

2. Provide resources for counseling and support services

• Mental health resources; Access to licensed therapists or counselors who specialize in adolescent development and identity exploration.
• Social support resources; Guidance on expressing identity through clothing, hairstyles, voice, or chosen names in non-medical ways.
• Decision-making guidance; Tools to help minors think about long-term consequences and understand potential impacts before making permanent decisions.

I understand that this may be upsetting for some but this policy comes from medical fact, not personal opinion or bias. There are many ways to express your identity and be who you are without surgical intervention at an age where long-term affects are not fully understood.