The bill aims to amend the West Virginia Medical Practice Act and the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons Act by prohibiting the provision of hormone therapy as a medical treatment for minors. Specifically, it defines terms related to biological sex, gender, and gender-altering medication, and establishes that physicians are not allowed to provide irreversible gender reassignment surgery or gender-altering medication to individuals under 18 years of age. The bill includes exceptions for certain medical conditions, but notably removes the allowance for hormonal therapy, previously referred to as "hormonal therapy" or "hormone blockers," in any circumstance for minors.

Key changes in the bill include the deletion of provisions that previously allowed for pubertal modulating and hormonal therapy for severe gender dysphoria under specific conditions, such as diagnosis by qualified professionals and written consent from guardians. The new language explicitly states that hormonal therapy may not be provided at all, thereby eliminating any potential for minors to receive such treatments. The bill reflects a significant shift in the approach to medical treatment for gender dysphoria in minors within West Virginia.

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