The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation aimed at banning transgender related medical procedures for minors, marking a significant escalation in the federal government’s effort to restrict gender-affirming care for children. The bill would criminalize healthcare providers who perform surgical or chemical interventions on individuals under the age of 18, citing concerns over long-term safety, ethics, and informed consent.

The House vote comes amid broader policy changes led by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which has announced plans to reverse Biden-era amendments that classified gender dysphoria as a disability under federal health guidelines. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the move reflects a return to “goldNstandard science,” transparency, and a moral responsibility to protect children from irreversible medical decisions.

According to HHS, the agency will formally declare that gender-related medical interventions for minors lack sufficient evidence of long-term benefit and carry significant physical and psychological risks. New federal rules are expected to restrict the use of public funds for such procedures, while regulatory agencies increase oversight of products and treatments marketed to children.

Supporters of the legislation argue the bill prioritizes child welfare and medical caution, while critics warn it could limit access to care and provoke legal challenges. The measure now advances to the Senate, where it is expected to face intense debate as the United States continues to grapple with the intersection of healthcare policy, parental rights, and cultural divisions.