Iowa House passes bill that would ban minors from receiving 'gender transition procedures'
On March 8, the Iowa House passed a Republican-backed bill that would ban minors from receiving "gender transition procedures."
The bill passed in a 57-39 vote.
Some Iowans were at the Statehouse on Wednesday rallying against the bill's passage.
"Mainly scared about not being able to get the care that I need, like hormone replacement therapy, and because of these bills, I'm scared to be outside because who knows what could happen to me just for being trans," one transgender teenager told vlog.
, which was passed by the Senate the night before, would ban puberty blockers, hormone therapies and other related surgeries for Iowans under the age of 18.
Representatives debated the bill for hours on Wednesday afternoon. Republicans argued they are protecting kids with the bill, while Democrats said the measure could be dangerous.
"These children are being allowed to make permanent decisions with life-altering consequences, such as sterilization and the permanent removal of body parts before they have been given the opportunity to grow up and learn more about themselves," Republican Rep. Steven Holt said.
"I have seven direct messages in my Instagram account from people who have told me in some variation: 'If this bill passes, I will be dead by April 1.' We need to remember that impact and that measure of efficacy as well," House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst said.
The bill now goes to the governor to be signed into law. If signed into law, Iowa would be the ninth state in the country to ban this type of health care for minors.