The Transformation Project’s Response to HB1080 Taking Effect
Sioux Falls, SD
South Dakota’s gender affirming care ban - commonly known as HB 1080 - goes into legal effect on July 1.
Beginning today, transgender youth in South Dakota are no longer able to access certain types of trans-related healthcare in our state. This includes both puberty blockers and hormone therapy.
“When the South Dakota Legislature passed HB 1080, far too many legislators disregarded the well-established doctor-patient relationship and interfered with the fundamental rights of parents. By prohibiting doctors from providing care backed by all major medical associations to transgender youth, HB1080 undermines the expertise and judgment of medical professionals who are best equipped to make informed decisions in the best interest of their patients. This intrusion into the doctor-patient relationship is a dangerous precedent that undermines the trust and autonomy necessary for quality healthcare. By blocking access to crucial medical care, the legislation not only disregards the transgender community's well-being but also conveys the damaging notion that their identities and needs are invalid or unworthy of support. The Transformation Project has already heard from many parents and young people who are hurting. We have been left to clean up the trauma and fear inflicted by our elected officials. While we are heartbroken by the immense sadness our community is feeling right now, we remain committed to fighting for the right of transgender youth to thrive in their home state.
In addition to the direct harm inflicted by this law, the ban also infringes upon the rights of parents to make healthcare decisions for their children in consultation with medical experts. It erodes parental rights and inserts the government into deeply personal and private matters that should be determined by families in collaboration with healthcare professionals.
Denying transgender individuals the opportunity to access gender-affirming healthcare can have severe consequences on their mental health and overall quality of life. It perpetuates a society that marginalizes and stigmatizes them, exacerbating feelings of dysphoria, depression, and anxiety. It is imperative that we recognize the importance of affirming transgender identities and providing access to comprehensive healthcare, including gender-affirming treatments, as an essential component of their well-being and self-acceptance.
We must stand against this harmful legislation and advocate for the rights of transgender individuals to receive the medical care they need.
Families across this state are scrambling to put together plans to ensure their children can continue getting the best care possible. Many are in serious financial need as they plan for repeated trips out of state to receive the medical care they are now unable to get at home.” Susan WIlliams, Executive Director, Transformation Project
If you want to help families who now need to travel out of state to access life-saving care, please donate to our SD Trans Resilience Fund
The mission of the Transformation Project is to support and empower transgender youth, young adults, and their families while educating communities in SD and the surrounding region about gender identity and expression.
