Gender transition

The subject of gender transition is controversial to say the least. There are some areas of agreement. First the issue will be decided state by state and the Supreme Court is expected to confirm that much like the position they took on abortion. Second there is a majority agreement that an adult can make this decision for himself. The tough questions arise around transitioning children and more specifically what are the parents rights concerning transitioning. The state has an obligation to protect children so the law demands that they stay in school until age 18. Parents cannot serve alcohol to their children. Parents cannot refuse life saving treatment for their children. This means the sticky question is whether a parent can allow a gender changing operation on a child or tougher yet on a child that is too young to understand the ramifications. Surgery is currently limited to age 16 but there are exceptions where puberty blocker are allowed at age 8. The number of gender affirmation surgeries (GAS) rose from 4,552 in 2016 to 13,011 in 2019, 12,818 in 2020 and among this group 3,678 were children ages 12 to 18. These younger children are rare just like late term abortions but they happen. There are concerns that this will progress. Schools can hand out condoms without parental permission and in six states a minor can have an abortion without parental concent.