Governor Hobbs Rejects Child Protection Measures Amidst Gender Transition Debate

By Staff Reporter |

Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed Senate Bill 1586, which aimed to provide restitution for individuals who underwent gender transition procedures as minors. The bill sought to hold health care professionals and physicians financially liable for any costs associated with subsequent detransition procedures within a 25-year period.

Under the proposed legislation, individuals who detransition could have filed civil lawsuits against the professionals who facilitated their original gender transition before turning 26. The bill also aimed to prevent these professionals from using contractual waivers to limit liability for such procedures.

In her veto letter, Governor Hobbs characterized the bill as redundant, citing existing medical malpractice statutes that already allow patients to seek legal recourse for informed consent issues. She emphasized that this legislation was not a priority in light of Arizona’s pressing needs. “This bill will not increase opportunity, security or freedom for Arizonans,” Hobbs stated, urging lawmakers to focus on more critical issues such as job creation and border security.

Senate Majority Leader Janae Shamp, who authored the bill, criticized Hobbs for aligning with what she termed “radical left-wing ideology.” She expressed concern about the consequences faced by minors who undergo gender transition procedures. “There have been many tragic stories about children who have submitted to life-altering surgeries only to experience awful repercussions later on,” Shamp said. She vowed to continue advocating for legislation that would provide restitution for these individuals.

Arizona’s law already prohibits gender transition procedures for minors, a measure enacted in 2022. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, fewer than three percent of minors identify as transgender. While surgical procedures are banned, the law does not address prescriptions for drugs affecting sex-based hormones. Prior to compliance with federal regulations, providers like Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Planned Parenthood of Arizona had been prescribing puberty blockers and hormone replacements.