Bill > HB1038

This bill proposes to prohibit healthcare providers from performing certain medical treatments and procedures on minors (individuals under 18 years old) when those treatments are intended to alter a minor's gender appearance or affirm a gender perception different from their biological sex. Specifically, the bill would ban healthcare providers from prescribing puberty-blocking medications, cross-sex hormones, or performing surgeries that sterilize or reconstruct genitalia. The bill defines key terms like "sex" as biological characteristics (chromosomes, hormones, genitalia) and "gender" as psychological and social aspects of being male or female. However, the bill does include exceptions for medical treatments related to disorders of sex development, treating infections or injuries caused by previous gender transition procedures, addressing imminent health risks, or tapering off existing hormone treatments. The legislation adds a new section to Washington state's healthcare provider regulations, making it illegal for licensed healthcare providers to perform these treatments on minors, with potential professional consequences for violations. The bill's intent appears to be preventing medical gender transition procedures for individuals under 18 years old based on concerns about the long-term medical and psychological implications of such interventions during childhood and adolescence.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1038&Year=2025&Initiative=false