This bill seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia by prohibiting the provision of hormone therapy as a medical treatment for minors under the age of 18. Specifically, it removes the allowance for "hormonal therapy," also referred to as "hormone blockers," in any circumstance, even when prescribed for severe gender dysphoria. The bill maintains that physicians may not provide irreversible gender reassignment surgery or gender-altering medication to minors, with certain exceptions for individuals with medically verifiable disorders of sex development or other specific medical conditions.

The bill also clarifies definitions related to biological sex, gender, and gender transition, emphasizing that treatment for minors must be medically necessary and agreed upon by multiple healthcare providers. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect on January 1, 2024. Overall, the legislation aims to restrict access to hormone therapy for minors, reflecting a significant shift in the approach to medical treatment for gender dysphoria in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 30-3-20, 30-14-17