H.R.3688 - Protecting Children from Experimentation Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3688, the "Protecting Children from Experimentation Act of 2025," aims to prohibit gender transition procedures on minors by amending Title 18 of the United States Code. The bill introduces penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for healthcare professionals who perform or aid in such procedures. It also allows individuals who undergo these procedures to bring civil actions against the providers.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would make it a federal crime to perform gender transition procedures on individuals under the age of 18. This would likely lead to a decrease in the availability of such procedures for minors, potentially impacting access to healthcare services for transgender and gender-diverse youth.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially protects minors from making irreversible decisions regarding their bodies.
- May prevent potential long-term health complications associated with gender transition procedures.
- Could align medical practices with certain ethical or moral viewpoints regarding gender identity.
- May reduce the risk of future regret associated with gender transition procedures.
- Could reinforce parental rights in making medical decisions for their children.
Potential Disadvantages
- Restricts access to medical care for transgender and gender-diverse youth, potentially leading to negative mental health outcomes.
- May infringe upon the rights of transgender individuals to make decisions about their own bodies.
- Could create legal challenges and uncertainty for healthcare providers.
- May lead to increased discrimination and stigmatization of transgender individuals.
- Potentially interferes with the doctor-patient relationship and medical autonomy.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is debatable. Proponents might argue that it falls under Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce, as it involves medical procedures and potential travel across state lines. Opponents could argue that it infringes upon individual rights to privacy and bodily autonomy, potentially violating the Due Process Clause of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. The lack of explicit constitutional guidance on transgender rights leaves room for judicial interpretation.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).