The proposed bill, known as the "PROM (Protect Reproductive Organs of Minors) Act," introduces new legal provisions under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 145, aimed at regulating the practices of health care practitioners concerning minors. It defines a "minor" as any individual under the age of 18 and outlines specific practices that would be deemed criminal if performed on a minor for the purpose of changing or affirming their sex. These practices include various surgeries that result in sterilization, administering puberty-blocking medications, and removing healthy body parts or tissues. Engaging in any of these actions would constitute a felony in the first degree.
The bill also includes a provision that exempts health care practitioners from these penalties if they are acting in accordance with a good faith medical decision made by a parent or guardian for minors with medically verifiable genetic disorders of sex development. This exemption applies to cases where the minor has ambiguous biological sex characteristics or a sexual development disorder confirmed through genetic testing. The legislation aims to protect minors from certain medical interventions while allowing for necessary medical care in specific circumstances.