Virginia’s new bill seeks to make 16-year olds adults in medical decisions. Governor According to his administration, Glenn Youngkin (Republican-Va.) would veto such an initiative.
Youngkin’s press secretary Macaulay Porter told the Washington Examiner that if the legislation reached the governor’s desk, he will veto it.
The measure, if passed, would allow any minor aged 16 or older, who has been determined by a healthcare provider to be mature enough to give informed consent, to be “deemed an Adult” for the purpose consenting to treatment, diagnosis, or consultation of a mental disorder by a clinic or health care provider.
House Bill No. House Bill No. 2091 does not mention gender dysphoria or specifically address gender transition therapies.
The bill names as patrons Democratic delegate Candi Mundon King and Nadarius Clark. Patrick Hope, Michelle Lopes Maldonado. Elizabeth Guzman. Cliff Hayes Jr.. Kaye Kory. Delores McQuinn. Marcia price. Shelly Simonds. Angelia Williams Graves.
“Mental or emotional disorder” is a broad term that leaves many questions unanswered about which medical conditions fall within this umbrella.
One doctor stated that granting this authority to minors is a slippery slope.
Dr. Nicole Saphier stated that the reason provisions were put in place to limit responsibilities for kids was because they haven’t been able to make critical decisions or think critically.
Although gender is not mentioned in the measure, Delegate Guzman was recently criticized for wanting to penalize parents who don’t affirm LGBT children. She told WJLA that it could be considered a felony or a misdemeanor. However, we know that a CPS charge could hurt your employment and could affect their education. CPS databases are searched by many people before they offer employment.
A separate bill was introduced in Virginia’s House this week that would prohibit doctors from offering gender transition treatment to anyone under 18.
The University of Virginia Children’s Hospital is currently ranked No. The number 1 children’s hospital in Virginia, the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital, offers gender transition services to children as young as 11 years old. It offers services such as cross-sex hormones and puberty-blocking medications. They also refer patients for surgery.
