New Hampshire House Republicans Push to Ban Gender Surgeries and Puberty Blockers for Minors

CONCORD, NH House Republicans in New Hampshire have introduced HB 712-FN and HB 377-FN, two bills aimed at restricting medical procedures related to gender transitions for minors. The first, HB 712, would prohibit transgender chest surgeries for individuals under 18, while allowing breast surgeries only in cases of medical necessity. The second, HB 377, would ban healthcare professionals from prescribing puberty blockers and cross-sex hormone treatments to minors.

Supporters argue that these measures provide necessary protections for children against irreversible medical interventions, while opponents claim the legislation denies access to care and interferes with medical decision-making.

Bill Sponsors Emphasize Child Safeguards

The bills, led by Rep. Lisa Mazur (R-Goffstown) and a coalition of Republican lawmakers, reflect a broader national trend of questioning gender-related medical treatments for minors.

"In New Hampshire, you cannot vote, get a tattoo, buy a scratch ticket, or use a tanning bed before the age of 18," Mazur stated. "Yet, some advocate for children as young as three years old to begin gender-related medical treatments. These procedures have lifelong consequences, and it is our responsibility to protect children from irreversible harm."

HB 377, also known as the Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act, explicitly prohibits medical professionals from prescribing puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones for the purpose of altering a child’s gender identity. Violations would be classified as a Class B felony.

Republican lawmakers cite international reversals on gender treatments as part of the justification for the legislation. The UK’s Cass Review, along with policy changes in Sweden, Finland, and Norway, have led to restrictions on puberty blockers and hormone treatments due to insufficient evidence of long-term benefits and growing concerns over harm.

Testimony Highlights Personal Experiences

During committee deliberations, written testimony from concerned citizens, medical professionals, and parents highlighted the risks associated with gender-related medical interventions.

Matthew McSorley of Litchfield, NH, whose daughter began cross-sex hormone therapy at 19, described the negative health consequences she has faced. "So-called gender-affirming care is an experiment gone wrong, and the world is waking up," McSorley wrote. "Systematic reviews from England, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and even the U.S. all conclude that these treatments carry more risk than reward. Last week, a review of more than 100,000 cases found that mental health worsens after gender surgeries."

Other testimony focused on the psychological aspect of gender dysphoria, arguing that medical interventions may not be the appropriate course of action.

Shanun Carey of Goffstown, NH, who has lived with bipolar disorder for over two decades, submitted testimony in support of HB 377. Carey argued that gender dysphoria should be approached like other mental health conditions, where treatment is based on medical judgment rather than patient demand.

"Spending two decades in the mental health space, I can tell you there are no other conditions where we allow the patient to dictate the standard of care," Carey wrote. "Before 2014, the standard protocol for gender dysphoria was watchful waiting, and in over 60% to 80% of cases, the dysphoria resolved on its own after puberty."

Opposition Claims Bill Creates Unnecessary Barriers to Medical Care

Opponents argue that banning puberty blockers and hormone therapy would deny transgender youth access to medically necessary treatment.

Henry Barnosky of Concord, NH, in his testimony opposing HB 377, questioned why puberty blockers are widely accepted for children with precocious puberty but considered controversial when used for transgender youth.

"Puberty blockers and hormone treatments have been used safely for decades to treat children who suffer from precocious puberty and are proven to be vitally important medical necessities for these children," Barnosky wrote. "Denying life-saving hormone blockers for transgender children while permitting them for cisgender children is discrimination, full stop."

A Growing National Debate

The debate over gender-related medical treatments for minors is playing out across the country, with some states enacting bans on puberty blockers and transgender surgeries, while others expand access.

HB 377 follows legislative efforts in Tennessee, Florida, and Texas, where similar bans have been implemented. Meanwhile, countries such as Sweden and the UK have restricted these treatments after independent medical reviews found insufficient evidence of long-term benefits.

As HB 712 and HB 377 move forward, New Hampshire lawmakers must determine whether gender-related medical procedures should be restricted for minors or left to doctors and families to decide.