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Minutes for HB2071 - Committee on Health and Human Services
Short Title
Enacting the help not harm act to restrict the use of state funds to promote gender transitioning, prohibit healthcare providers from providing gender transition whose gender identity is inconsistent with the child's sex, authorize a civil cause of action against healthcare providers for providing such treatments, require professional discipline against a healthcare provider who performs such treatment and prohibit professional liability insurance from covering damages for healthcare providers that provide gender transition treatment to children and adding violation of the act to the definition of unprofessional conduct for physicians.
Minutes Content for Tue, Jan 28, 2025
Carly Choi, Revisor of Statutes, provided an overview of HB2071 (Attachment 1).
Ms. Choi responded to questions from the committee.
Proponents
Chloe Cole, Private Citizen, provided testimony regarding her experience with the process of medical transition (Attachment 2). The transition occurred between the ages of 12 to 16. The three main interventions given were puberty blockers and testosterone starting at age 13, and a double mastectomy at 15. The therapists and gender specialists failed to address several underlying circumstances and comorbidities that had led to the onset of her gender dysphoria. There has been suffering from the complications from the process. Quality of life has been impacted. The status of her fertility remains unknown, but it is know that she will be unable to breastfeed. The role that Ms. Cole's parents played was described. Legislative intervention will protect other children and families from this medical experiment.
Jamie Reed, Private Citizen, provided testimony in support of HB2071 (Attachment 3). Ms. Reed acknowledged that she was a whistleblower from a pediatric gender center seeing patients ages 3 to 26 for 5 years. Outcomes are based on poor research. Last week two systematic reviews of evidence were published in Canada both finding puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones have limited to no evidence to support their use. Queensland, Australia has banned the use of puberty blockers for children under the age of 18. Ms. Reed noted several examples of issues patients she had direct contact experienced. Additional studies have been done in the Netherlands that have been buried due to the poor outcomes they found. England has banned the use of puberty blockers.
Ms. Reed responded to questions from the committee.
Lucrecia Nold, Public Policy Specialist, Kansas Catholic Coalition, provided testimony is support of HB2071 (Attachment 4). The Catholic Church teaches and invites us to love, respect and show compassion to all people. A quote from Pope Francis was given noting the dangers and harm of gender ideology. Allowing a child to participate in the gender reassignment process would be a disservice to them.
Dr. Aaron LacKamp, Private Citizen, provided testimony in support of HB2071 (Attachment 5). He strongly disagrees with the assertion that sex reassignment surgeries will be an effective or proper method of suicide prevention for our youth. More effective means of prevention should be pursued, such as support for suicide prevention hotline and suicide prevention resources. Children need to be protected. Children naturally explore their identities through childhood, adolescence and adulthood. We should not lock them into identities socially reinforced by other's perceptions of them. Dr. LacKamp provided professional experiences.
Dr. LacKamp responded to questions from the committee.
Dr. Jane Anderson, Vice President, American College of Pediatricians, provided testimony in support of HB2071 (Attachment 6). Dr. Anderson provided the myths concerning transgender ideology. First, no human is born in the wrong body. Second, gender ideology is based upon thoughts and feelings. Third, gender dysphoria is not permanent. Fourth, gender dysphoria is not an isolated phenomenon. Fifth, mental health evaluation and support for the patient and family is recognized as the standard of care for minors and gender dysphoria. Sixth, social affirmation and medical and surgical interventions have not been proven to be effective. Seventh, the interventions are harmful. Additional myths were provided in the testimony.
Dr. Anderson responded to questions from the committee.
Jay Richards, Director and Senior Research Fellow, The Heritage Foundation, provided testimony in support of HB2071 (Attachment 7). In recent years, the U.S. has seen a huge spike in the number of minors diagnosed with gender dysphoria. This has been fueled by an ideology derived from critical theory. Gender identity is typically defined as ones' internal sense of gender. This is both circular and unfalsifiable. There is no reliable scientific evidence that these treatments improve the long-term health of minors. The 2024 Cass Review included nine studies, eight of which were systematic reviews, showing the poor quality of evidence for the benefits of these medical interventions.
Joseph Kolm, Public Policy Director, Family Policy Alliance, provided testimony in support of HB2071 (Attachment 8). The bill ensures Kansas children are protected from dangerous and irreversible sex transition interventions. HB2071 ensures vulnerable children struggling with gender dysphoria receive the help they need. It also protects access to therapy and helpful treatments.
Brittany Jones, Director of Policy and Engagement, Kansas Family Voice, provided testimony in support of HB2071 (Attachment 9). The bill helps kids by holding those accountable who would put their well being at risk for the sake of their own ideology. Cross sex hormones can cause irreversible infertility, type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease and host of other problems. 23 states and multiple countries have banned this process.
Proponent written only testimony was provided by the following:
Angel Cushing, Private Citizen (Attachment 10)
Brett Anderson, Private Citizen (Attachment 11)
Susan Cary, Private Citizen (Attachment 12)
Matt Sharp, Senior Counsel, Alliance Defending Freedom (Attachment 13)
Catherine Gunsalus, Director of State Advocacy, Heritage Action for America (Attachment 14)
Mary Stang, Private Citizen (Attachment 15)
Dr. Ivan Abdouch, Private Citizen (Attachment 16)
Dr. Charles Peters, Private Citizen (Attachment 17)
Patricia DeDamos, Private Citizen (Attachment 18)
Timothy Elliott, Private Citizen (Attachment 19)
Opponents:
Aidyn Lee, Private Citizen, provided testimony in opposition to HB2071 (Attachment 20). Though not having done the transition medically, Mr. Lee said social transitioning has been a huge part of his journey of discovery over the last 2 years. A personal history of his transition was provided to the committee. By passing this bill, his fellow tans and himself will not be able to express themselves freely amongst their peers.
Anthony Alvarez, Private Citizen, provided testimony in opposition to HB2071 (Attachment 21). Since the onset of puberty, Mr. Alvarez suffered from sever depression, anxiety, and anger issues. Mental healthcare could not come up with a cause. Since socially transitioning and being supported by family, friends and healthcare providers, everyone began noticing positive changes. The transition was supported by teachers and administrators at school. Looking back, Mr.Alvarez recognized how lifesaving the medical care had been.
Dr. Candice Moran, Private Citizen, provided testimony in opposition to HB2071 (Attachment 22). As a psychologist, Dr. Moran has worked with transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming individuals since 2010. Personal stories were provided to the committee. It was noted that research has shown that transgender and nonbinary adults who received puberty suppression/puberty blockers as adolescents were less likely to experience suicide ideations. A list of associations that affirm their support for gender affirming care for minors was provided. Gender affirming care is suicide prevention.
D.C. Hiegert, on behalf of the American Civil Liberties Union, provided testimony in opposition to HB2071 (Attachment 23). The bill effectively bans the only evidence based healthcare option for Kansas youth experiencing gender dysphoria. The bill also exceeds the appropriate government regulation of medicine and removes Kansas parents' ability to access the healthcare they decide is right for their children. The bill also implicates state-funded facilities and state employees. There is a similar bill heard by the United States Supreme Court that was challenged as unconstitutional. A ruling is expected in the coming months. The bill also raises concerns under the Kansas Constitution regarding parents' rights. HB2071 would threaten Kansas medical providers with civil liability and license revocation. In conclusion, gender affirming healthcare has allowed for Mr. Hiegert to become the person he is today and gives him the confidence to advocate for his fellow Kansans' rights.
Mr. Hiegert responded to questions from the committee.
Elise Flatland, Private Citizen, provided testimony in opposition to HB2071 (Attachment 24). Ms. Flathead provided a personal family story regarding her son. She and her husband are appalled that the bill will take away their parental rights to make medical decisions for their child.
Dr. Erica Jobe, Private Citizen, provided testimony in opposition to HB2071 (Attachment 25). The legislature while trying to pass bills on this topic have dismissed the input and testimony of healthcare providers who are trained and experienced in working with the transgender community. As a constituent and a healthcare provider please stand up against hate and discrimination.
Gabriel Padilla, Private Citizen, provided testimony in opposition to HB2071 (Attachment 26). As a transgender with nine years of experience in the classroom, this legislation is more harmful than good. The bill fundamentally violates the rights of children and their families. Mr. Padilla knows firsthand how critical it is to have the ability to make informed decisions about one's own identity. The choice to affirm one's gender should not be dictated by the government.
Johnny Dunlap, Private Citizen, provided testimony in opposition to HB2071 (Attachment 27). As an educator, Mr. Dunlap does not check his 1st amendment rights at the school building doors and will not spread hatred to children. Mr. Dunlap rebukes the legislators who would have him ignore his students' wishes in simple tasks such as using chosen names and pronouns that fit them. Personal experiences with students were provided to the committee. This legislation will push good people out of teaching at a time of teacher shortages. His classroom will always be a safe and caring learning environment despite discriminatory legislation.
Kristi Kahn, Private Citizen, provided testimony in opposition to HB2071 (Attachment 28). Ms. Kahn provided a personal story about her transgender son who committed suicide as a result of bullying.
Matthew Obold-Geary, Private Citizen, provided testimony in opposition to HB2071 (Attachment 29). The bill is an egregious overreach by the government in an attempt to control our citizens and oppress yet another marginalized community. Trans kids should be shown love as it our responsibility to foster a healthy environment so that they may grow up and become successful community members. The bill infringes upon Kansans' freedoms and liberties.
Rev. Charles McKinzie, Senior Pastor, Grace United Methodist Church, provided testimony in opposition to HB2071 (Attachment 30). Re. McKinzie is testifying on behalf of Kansas Interfaith Action. Gender affirming care is life saving care. Medical care for gender dysphoria is evidenced based, medically necessary, and safe. The bill puts the legislature's opinions directly into choices that should be left up to individuals, their parents and their healthcare providers. The bill has a negative impact on medical providers. The legislation is called the "help not harm", but it will do a lot of harm.
Stephanie Johannes, Private Citizen, provided testimony in opposition to HB2071 (Attachment 31). The bill takes away the students' and parents' ability to make choices for themselves. The bill also complicate educators abilities to provide basic needs of feeling emotionally and physically safe.
Victoria Kelly, Private Citizen, provided testimony in opposition to HB2071 (Attachment 32). Transgender youth are at high risk for suicide. 41% will attempt by age 30. The risk of suicidality has increased by as much as 72% with the introduction of anti-trans legislation. Multiple studies have shown that transgender identity is associated with structural differences in the brain consistent with a patient's gender identity. This means that the brain resembles that of the gender identity and not that of the gender assigned at birth.
Emerson Hoffzales, Private Citizen, provided testimony in opposition of HB2071 (Attachment 33). A personal story was provided. It is imperative for educators to support students in their educational journeys. This cannot be done without meeting the students' needs first.
Dr. Angela Turpin, Private Citizen, provided testimony in opposition to HB2071 (Attachment 34). Dr. Turpin stated she has seen adolescents severely depressed, anxious, and unable to function in their daily lives due to gender dysphoria. It was stressed that the number of adolescents who receive medication in Kansas is very small. There are more receiving mental health care than those receiving medication. The government should not impose a one size fits all ban. This violates parents' rights to act in a way that they see best for the health outcomes of their children.
Dr. Turpin responded to questions from the committee.
The following provided written only testimony in opposition to the bill:
Opposition Testimony First Name Alpha A-C (Attachment 35)
Opposition Testimony First Name Alpha D-J (Attachment 36)
Opposition Testimony First Name Alpha K-O (Attachment 37)
Opposition Testimony First Name Alpha P-W (Attachment 38)
The hearing was closed.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:14 PM.
