Columbia, SC (WOLO) — House Bill 4624, aimed at banning anyone in the State of South Carolina under the age of 18 from being able to gain access to any gender reassignment procedures has passed in the House. The bill is advancing with strong support in the Republican led House coming down Wednesday night to a vote of 82 in favor of the ban, and 23 opposed.
Under the amended provision minors would no longer be able to undergo gender reassignment surgery, nor would they be able to obtain puberty blocking drugs that would delay the “normal pubertal development in children“. The ban would also make it illegal for medical professionals to perform reassignment surgeries, and procedures to aid in the process of gender transition.
According to Section 44-42-320. of the amended bill if a medical professional started treatment before August 1, 2024 that prescribes, administers and or delivers puberty blockers to a minor, the health care professional would be required to “determine and document” in the patient’s medical record why taking them off of the drug and or hormone immediately could harm them. At which point, a healthcare professional would be able to put in place a systematic period of time where they would begin forcing the patient to reduce the use of their medications, not to extend beyond January 31, of 2025.
Also under the amended bill, if passed into law medical professionals who offer transitional drugs, therapy and or surgery could face disciplinary action determined by the Attorney General. In addition, public funds would not be prohibited for any procedures for minors. Mental health services would not be impacted under this section of the proposed bill and would remain available. To see the amended bill you can click on the link provided HERE
This bill now heads to to the Senate. Stay with ABC Columbia News for updates on air and online.