Texas Senate gives initial approval to bill prohibiting gender altering medical procedures for children

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — A controversial bill to prohibit gender-altering medical procedures for Texans under age 18 has the initial approval of the Texas Senate.

If Senate Bill 1646 becomes law, it would be considered child abuse to provide puberty-blocking drugs, hormone therapy, or related surgery to children under 18.

Should parents allow their children to have those treatments, Child Protective Services could step in and remove the kids. If a child is already receiving treatment, the bill allows that process to continue.

All 18 Republicans approved the bill and all 13 Democrats opposed.

The final Senate vote takes place today.