This week, Florida legislation establishing further protections for children from the harms of sex-denying medical interventions moved closer to become law.

The legislation, HB 743 and its Senate counterpart SB 1010, would prohibit healthcare practitioners from “aiding or abetting” another healthcare practitioner in providing sex-denying prescriptions or procedures, which are currently prohibited under Florida law.

Additionally, the legislation authorizes the state’s attorney general to investigate and file civil lawsuits against health practitioners who perform these procedures. The attorney general can seek “damages, injunctive relief, and civil penalties of up to $100,000 for each violation” of Florida’s law prohibiting sex-denying prescriptions or procedures; any damages recovered would accrue to the benefit of the injured minor.

The bills advanced through committee this week. 

Do No Harm Action Staff with Rep. Lauren Melo

Do No Harm Action is proud to support these bills. They establish crucial protections for Florida children by holding the child transgender industry accountable for attempts to skirt Florida’s laws.

As Do No Harm Action Medical Director Dr. Kurt Miceli said in his testimony in support of this legislation, “empowering the attorney general will help promote the law and keep children safe.”

Do No Harm Action thanks Representative Lauren Melo and Senator Clay Yarborough, who introduced the House and Senate versions of the legislation, respectively, for taking action on this issue.

It’s essential that healthcare practitioners who subject children to dangerous, unsupported medical interventions are held accountable.