Salt Lake City, Utah — The Republican-controlled Utah House on Thursday approved three bills that would significantly restrict access to gender-affirming care, including a full ban on hormonal transgender treatments for minors, sending the measures to the Utah Senate for further consideration.
The most sweeping proposal, HB174, would convert Utah’s 2023 moratorium on new hormone prescriptions for transgender minors into a permanent ban. The bill would also require doctors to stop prescribing hormones to minors currently receiving treatment by Jan. 28, 2027. Sponsored by Rep. Rex Shipp, R-Cedar City, the measure passed 54–16, despite Democratic objections that the justification relies on disputed or selectively cited scientific claims.
Democratic lawmakers argued the bill contradicts Utah-commissioned research that found gender-affirming hormone treatments for minors are generally safe and effective when clinically indicated. Supporters countered that such treatments pose irreversible risks and should only be considered in adulthood, framing gender dysphoria primarily as a mental health issue.
The House also advanced HB193, which would prohibit publicly funded employers from offering insurance coverage for transgender surgeries or hormone treatments, while requiring coverage for detransition-related care. A third bill, HB258, would require private insurers that cover gender-affirming care to also cover detransition treatments.
House Democrats issued a joint statement warning the bills represent government overreach into private medical decisions and could place vulnerable youth at risk. Supporters argued the legislation protects children and taxpayers while preserving adult choice.
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