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Gwen Hickman for Senate

Debate Around Transgender Surgeries for Minors



The debate surrounding transgender surgeries for minors is complex and encompasses a range of perspectives.  So, let’s start at the beginning, and remember we are talking about children.


Minors are protected due to their unique vulnerabilities and their developing physical, cognitive, and emotional capacities. Society recognizes that children and adolescents require special care and attention to ensure their well-being and protect their rights. By providing legal protections and establishing safeguards, society aims to ensure that minors are given the opportunity to grow, develop, and make informed choices when they have the cognitive and emotional capacity to do so.


Look at these factors to see if you agree or disagree:


1. Limited decision-making capacity: Minors are still developing their decision-making abilities and may not have the same level of judgment and understanding as adults. They may lack the experience, knowledge, and maturity to make fully informed choices, especially in complex and consequential matters.


There are concerns about the potential for coercion, regret, or irreversible physical changes that may impact minors' future well-being.


2. Physical and emotional vulnerability: Minors are often more susceptible to physical and emotional harm due to their physical size, limited life experience, and dependency on adults for care and protection. They may be more easily influenced, exploited, or manipulated by others.


3. Developmental needs: Children and adolescents have unique developmental needs that require protection and support. This includes access to education, healthcare, a safe environment, and opportunities for social, emotional, and cognitive development.


4. Rights and best interests: Protecting minors is aligned with the recognition of their fundamental rights and their best interests. Society acknowledges that minors have a right to safety, well-being, education, healthcare, and nurturing environments that foster their growth.


Supporters of transgender surgeries for minors argue that individuals, including minors, have the right to express their gender identity and make decisions about their own bodies. They believe that access to gender-affirming surgeries can enhance the well-being and mental health of transgender minors by aligning their physical appearance with their gender identity.


5. Medical professionals play a crucial role in the debate. Some argue that gender-affirming surgeries, when performed by experienced healthcare providers, can be safe and effective interventions for alleviating gender dysphoria in certain cases. They highlight the importance of comprehensive assessments, mental health support, and individualized care plans to ensure the well-being of minors seeking such procedures. But, many question the long-term effects, ethical implications, and potential medical risks associated with these surgeries.


6. Legal and ethical obligations: Laws and ethical principles often establish a duty to safeguard the welfare of minors. Governments, institutions, and individuals have legal and ethical responsibilities to protect children from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.


MY POSITION


I wholeheartedly support the protection of minors against irreversible surgeries. It is crucial to consider the well-being and best interests of our children, taking into account their unique vulnerabilities and developmental stages. Irreversible surgeries can have profound and lasting effects, both physically and emotionally, and it is our responsibility to ensure that minors are safeguarded from potential risks. 




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