In a significant legislative move, the Kansas Legislature has overridden Governor Laura Kelly’s veto to enact the “Help Not Harm Act,” effectively banning gender-affirming medical treatments for minors.
This decision aligns Kansas with a growing number of states imposing similar restrictions.
Legislative Action
On February 18, 2025, the Republican-majority Kansas House voted 85-34, and the Senate 31-9, to override Governor Kelly’s veto of Senate Bill 63, known as the “Help Not Harm Act.”
This legislation prohibits healthcare providers from offering treatments such as puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and surgeries to minors seeking gender transition.
Additionally, it restricts the use of state funds to promote gender transitioning and mandates professional disciplinary actions against providers who perform such treatments on minors.
Governor’s Opposition
Governor Kelly vetoed the bill on January 31, 2025, expressing concerns that the legislation infringes on parental rights and could drive families, businesses, and healthcare professionals out of Kansas, potentially stifling the state’s economy and exacerbating workforce shortages.
She emphasized that legislative focus should be on addressing pressing issues like rising prices affecting Kansans.
Supporters’ Perspective
Proponents of the “Help Not Harm Act” argue that the legislation is necessary to protect minors from making irreversible medical decisions at a young age.
Republican Senate President Ty Masterson stated that Kansas is no longer a sanctuary for what he described as the “maiming and sterilization of minors.”
This action is consistent with President Donald Trump’s executive order titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation,” which prohibits federal support for gender-affirming care for individuals under 19.
National Context
The Kansas legislation follows a national trend, with 27 states enacting similar bans or restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors.
President Trump’s executive order, signed on January 28, 2025, directs federal agencies to cease funding and support for gender transition procedures for minors, leading several hospitals nationwide to suspend such services due to concerns over federal funding.
Implications and Reactions
The enactment of the “Help Not Harm Act” has elicited strong reactions from various stakeholders.
Critics, including parents of transgender children and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, argue that the law denies essential, potentially life-saving medical care to transgender youth and infringes upon parental rights to make medical decisions for their children.
Legal challenges are anticipated, aiming to contest the constitutionality of the ban.
Key Aspects of the “Help Not Harm Act”
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Prohibited Treatments | Puberty blockers, hormone therapies, surgeries for minors seeking gender transition |
| Restrictions | Prohibits use of state funds to promote gender transitioning |
| Disciplinary Actions | Mandates professional discipline for healthcare providers performing banned treatments on minors |
| Legislative Votes | House: 85-34; Senate: 31-9 (both overriding Governor’s veto) |
| Governor’s Concerns | Infringement on parental rights, potential economic impact, workforce shortages |
| Supporters’ Justification | Protecting minors from irreversible medical decisions, aligning with federal directives |
The passage of the “Help Not Harm Act” in Kansas reflects a broader national debate over gender-affirming care for minors, balancing concerns about parental rights, medical ethics, and the well-being of transgender youth.
FAQs
What does the “Help Not Harm Act” entail?
The act prohibits healthcare providers in Kansas from administering gender-affirming treatments, including puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and surgeries, to minors. It also restricts state funding for gender transitioning and enforces disciplinary actions against providers who violate these provisions.
Why did Governor Laura Kelly veto the bill?
Governor Kelly expressed concerns that the legislation infringes on parental rights, could drive families and professionals out of the state, and detracts from addressing more pressing issues like rising living costs for Kansans.
How did the Kansas Legislature override the veto?
The Republican-controlled Legislature achieved the necessary two-thirds majority in both chambers, with the House voting 85-34 and the Senate 31-9, to override the Governor’s veto and enact the bill into law.