NH Bill Would Strip Parents' Freedom to Make Healthcare Decisions for Their Transgender Child

Statement from GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) on HB 377

Today New Hampshire's House Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs Committee heard testimony on HB 377, a bill to prohibit medical care for transgender adolescents.

GLAD Law Senior Staff Attorney Chris Erchull testified before the committee and issued this statement after the hearing:

"The bill that was heard by the Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs Committee today is a clear example of extreme government overreach into the private lives of New Hampshire families. Parents and families, not the government, know what's best for their children. The committee heard from parents today about how their transgender children have flourished with the proper care. They also heard from transgender youth and adults about the benefits to their own lives that have come from receiving appropriate and necessary care. All New Hampshire families should retain the ability to make healthcare decisions for themselves without government interference. HB 377 takes that right away from parents who want nothing more than to care for their child.

HB 377 is the latest in a years-long campaign by extremist legislators to roll back rights and protections for transgender Granite Staters, especially transgender youth, and to insert government between them and their families. This coordinated effort is baseless and cruel and contradicts New Hampshire's bedrock values of freedom and fairness.

The best way to protect the health and well-being of transgender young people is to ensure that they can continue to access essential, age-appropriate medical care from licensed clinicians practicing according to the well-established standards of care. Banning necessary medical care puts young people at increased risk of serious harms, including depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts or behavior. When transgender youth, like all youth, receive the medical care they need, they are able to thrive and have healthy, happy childhoods that set them up for success in life.
It can be hard to understand what it's like to have a transgender child. The parents of transgender adolescents need information and advice from professionals they trust, but this bill would cut off access to that guidance, leaving families without hope for supporting their children as they suffer. The committee must vote inexpedient to legislate to protect all New Hampshire families' ability to seek and obtain health care in consultation with their trusted providers."

GLAD Law (GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders) has been a leading force in LGBTQ+ rights for nearly 50 years. With deep roots in New England and impact nationwide, we use strategic litigation, legislation, and public education to fight discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and HIV status. GLAD Law's bold strategy and precedent-setting victories have reshaped the legal landscape, advancing equality for all people facing discrimination and social barriers. www.glad.org