Puerto Rico bans hormone therapy and gender surgery for transgender youth

Puerto Rico’s governor has signed a bill that bans hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries for transgender youth, sparking criticism from activists in the conservative U.S. territory.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Puerto Rico’s governor has approved a bill that prohibits hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries for transgender youth, a decision that has been met with strong opposition.

The law, which targets individuals under 21, imposes severe penalties including 15 years in prison, a $50,000 fine, and the loss of medical licenses for any offenders.

The legislation argues that minors lack the maturity to make irreversible decisions and emphasizes the state’s responsibility to safeguard their well-being.

Furthermore, the law prohibits the use of public funds for such procedures.

The LGBTQ+ Federation in Puerto Rico condemned the bill, vowing to challenge its constitutionality in court.

Various professional associations in Puerto Rico, including those representing physicians, surgeons, psychologists, social workers, and lawyers, had urged the governor to reject the legislation.

Approximately two dozen U.S. states have enacted similar measures.