Fight or Flight: Transgender Care Bans Leave Families and Doctors ScramblingLaws in 20 states have left the fate of clinics in doubt and families with transgender children searching for medical care across state lines.
But two new laws have left them debating whether to leave Iowa.
A ban on a medication that pauses puberty taken by their transgender son, Brecker, was signed into law by the state’s governor in March.
“It’s like trying to cross a bridge but the boards just fall out,” said Brecker, who recently finished seventh grade and began receiving puberty blockers in December, a year after coming out as transgender.
“So you’re hanging on those two ropes, inching yourself across, not knowing whether the ropes are going to snap or break.”In 20 states, bans or restrictions on transition-related medical care for transgender youths are upending the lives of families and medical providers.
Persons:
David, Wendy Batchelder, Brecker, ”
Organizations:
Republican
Locations:
West Des Moines , Iowa, Iowa