South Dakota Governor Signs Controversial ‘Help Not Harm’ Bill Banning Gender-Affirming Treatments for Transgender Minors

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signed a bill into law on Monday that prohibits gender-affirming treatments for transgender minors in the state. The bill, known as the “Help Not Harm” bill, was first presented to the South Dakota House in January and will take effect on July 1.

The law bans the prescription and administration of puberty-blocking medication, sex hormones, and surgery related to gender transition for patients under the age of 18. Health care providers who violate the law risk civil suits and losing their professional or occupational licenses.

South Dakota is now the second state this year, after Utah, to ban gender-affirming care for trans minors. The bill has been met with criticism from LGBT rights groups, who argue that it will put transgender youth at risk of depression and suicide.

“This bill is an attack on transgender children and their right to access medical care,” said Chase Strangio, deputy director for transgender justice at the American Civil Liberties Union. “It will cause significant harm to transgender youth and their families.”

The bill has also been criticized by medical professionals, who argue that gender-affirming treatments are necessary for the mental health of transgender youth. “It is critical that transgender youth have access to gender-affirming care,” said Dr. Jack Turban, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School. “These treatments are safe and effective, and denying them can have serious and long-lasting consequences.”