Georgia’s Senate Bill 30 is a huge win for parental rights, common sense, and the protection of children from irreversible medical procedures pushed by radical activists. Introduced by strong conservative leadership, this bill bans the prescription and administration of hormone therapies and puberty blockers for minors when used to alter a child’s biological sex.
The proposed bill has been assigned to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Cobb County is represented on the committee by State Senators Kay Kirkpatrick (a medical doctor) as Vice Chair and Ed Setzler.
The General Assembly previously prohibited irreversible procedures such as sex reassignment surgery and hormone replacement therapies for minors. Senate Bill 30 would expand these restrictions by banning the use of reversible treatments and puberty blockers on minors.
Under this legislation, doctors will no longer be allowed to subject children to experimental treatments that can cause permanent damage, including hormone replacement therapy and puberty-blocking medications.
Additionally, it prohibits sex reassignment surgeries for minors, ensuring that children are not put on a path of life-altering medical interventions before they are old enough to make such decisions for themselves.
The bill includes limited medical exceptions for rare disorders of sexual development, ensuring that children with legitimate medical needs receive proper care. It also protects parental rights by allowing parents to take legal action if a medical provider violates these protections.
At a time when activists are trying to push gender ideology into medicine, Georgia is standing up for science, biological reality, and the well-being of children. SB 30 puts a stop to dangerous and unproven medical practices on minors while upholding the values of family, responsibility, and truth. This is a victory for Georgia families and a model for other states looking to protect their children from harmful ideology-driven medical interventions.
During the committee hearing, Dr. Michelle Zeanah, a pediatrician, testified via Zoom. She explained that she focuses on children’s mental health and expressed concern about minors making permanent decisions about their bodies. A representative of Georgia Baptists, speaking on behalf of over 1.4 million members, also voiced opposition to the bill.
“Puberty is not a disease that needs to be treated with medication,” testified Dr. David McKalip, a neurosurgeon with over 30 years of experience. He argued that puberty blockers interfere with natural development and cited a lack of research supporting claims that they improve mental health outcomes.
On the other side, Dr. Jason Schneider, who provides gender transition care, testified in opposition to the bill. He called it government overreach, warning that it could harm mental health and restrict personal freedom. He emphasized that transgender youth should be protected and allowed to make informed choices.
Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick abruptly ended the public portion of the testimony when a speaker began cursing at the committee.
The legislation, which Republican lawmakers pushed through the Senate committee on a party-line vote, would expose hospitals and doctors to legal liability. Parents could sue for violations of the law if the bill passes. Medical professionals offered differing opinions during the hearing—some warning of the long-term consequences of puberty blockers, while others insisted they are reversible and necessary for gender-affirming care.
The bill now heads to the Senate Rules Committee, where it will be scheduled for a full Senate vote.
