The Department of Justice transmitted legislation to Congress aimed at prohibiting medical procedures that it calls “chemical and surgical mutilation” for minors.
The proposal aligns with the Presidential Executive Order 14187.
The Victims of Chemical or Surgical Mutilation Act would create federal penalties for healthcare providers who perform “gender-affirming” procedures on children. It also establishes legal pathways for families to sue medical professionals.
Rep. Bob Onder (R-MO) and Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) are leading the legislation in Congress. The bill prohibits healthcare professionals, physicians, hospitals, or clinics from participating in what it terms “chemical or surgical mutilation of a child.”
“The Department of Justice has heard from far too many families who have been devastated by mutilative medical procedures that fly in the face of basic biology,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “While we continue our ongoing legal battle to protect children, we appreciate our colleagues in Congress who are working diligently alongside us to end these abusive procedures once and for all.”
The proposed law creates a private right of action for affected children and their parents. This would allow families to pursue civil litigation against medical professionals they claim damaged “healthy body parts” through these procedures.
The legislation represents the latest federal action on “transgender healthcare” for minors. It follows February’s executive order directing federal agencies to investigate and potentially restrict such medical treatments.
The Department of Justice released the full legislative text on Wednesday morning. Congress will now consider whether to advance the bill through committee hearings and floor votes.