Kansas governor vetoes ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth

[Jessica_Rose]

Kansas governor vetoes ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth

https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/02/kansas-governor-vetoes-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-for-trans-youth/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIZjeFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcGVfKn71BP9Y6Kr-jh2_7XH2hYopTh1eToQ8o_8B10EmKpflEJsKxIrkA_aem_1_b5gdzI65ssflYKQ2HOfQ

By Daniel Villarreal (12 Feb 2025)

Kansas's Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has vetoed a bill banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

Senate Bill 63 would prohibit health care providers from rendering gender-affirming care, including puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and encouragement to socially transition (through pronouns and clothing) — even though such care is considered safe, effective, and essential by most major medical associations.

"It is not the job of politicians to stand between a parent and a child who needs medical care of any kind," Kelly said in a Tuesday statement. "Infringing on parental rights is not appropriate, nor is it a Kansas value."

"This legislation will also drive families, businesses, and healthcare workers out of our state, stifling our economy and exacerbating our workforce shortage issue," she added. "It is disappointing that the Legislature continues to push for government interference in Kansans' private medical decisions instead of focusing on issues that improve all Kansans' lives."

The Republicans hold a 31-9 state Senate majority and an 88-37 state House majority, giving them ample votes for the two-thirds majority to override Kelly's veto.

However, last May, state Republicans failed to override her veto in a similar bill when two House Republicans who had voted for the bill refused to vote for a veto override.