Iowa Bans So-Called “Gender-Affirming” Treatments for Minors

“I don't like it, but I have to do what I believe right now is in the best interest of the kids.”

Iowa has become the 10^th state in the nation to ban so-called “gender-affirming” treatments for minors, including hormones, puberty blockers, and surgeries.

Republican Governor Kim Reynolds signed SF 538, "a bill for an act relating to prohibiting activities regarding gender transition procedures relative to minors,” into law on Wednesday, The Christian Post reported.

Reynolds was sympathetic to the unpopularity of such a legislation, but emphasized that she believes this is what is best for Iowa’s children.

"I'm a parent. I'm a grandmother. I know how difficult this is. This is an extremely uncomfortable position for me to be in. You know? I don't like it, but I have to do what I believe right now is in the best interest of the kids," she said in a statement.

Proponents of gender-affirming treatments argue that the relatively novel approach to treating the condition commonly diagnosed as gender dysphoria is necessary for the mental health of youth, often citing the statistically dubious belief that it can prevent self-harm and suicide.

Iowa’s chapter of the ACLU condemned the bill, claiming it will have "devastating consequences for many children and their families across our state” and accusing “the government” of having “abused its power at the expense of a small group of people.”

Reynolds, however, pointed out that such claims are based in “uncertain science" and that treatment involves "irreversible therapies and procedures." She noted that the controversial use of cross-sex hormones, which proponents claim are irreversible, "have not been approved by the [Food and Drug Administration]."

Iowa now joins Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Utah as the 10^th state to prohibit such treatments for children.