Gore Hall was a busy place on Sunday. There was a cake to celebrate Rev. Margalie’s invocation ceremony and her birthday as well as postcard writing concerning the bill HB 1421 titled Gender Clinical Interventions – encompassing much more.

The tables of postcard writers were busy with members and friends writing postcards to Florida lawmakers expressing our concerns about the harm that passing HB 1421 will cause. While portions of this bill — the near complete ban on doctors performing gender clinical interventions — apply only to performing those interventions on minors, the ban on insurance coverage applies to any healthcare that meets the state’s definition regardless of age. It also may block gender health long term care (medical interventions and medications).  

In addition, previously enacted Department of Health policy on gender affirming care for minors and this legislation may criminalize  doctors who offer care (surgical or medication) as well as risk their medical licenses.  In addition, it seems to say that minors could be removed from their parents if they left the state for medical interventions.

More worrying, it could ban “birth control, hormone treatment for menopause, for breast cancer, anti-androgen treatments for prostate cancer, [and] for PCOS [polycystic ovary syndrome]” among other conditions because of the vague wording.  In addition, the bill prohibits changes in birth certificates that reflect gender identity in most cases.

Thanks to all that heard the concern and organized this effort. Thanks to all who participated!

All postcards completed and sent! And, lots of spring love as evidenced by a lively Green Team meeting.