Madison, WI – Today, the Assembly Committee on Health, Aging, and Long-Term Care held a public hearing on the “Help Not Harm Act” (AB 104), a bill designed to protect minors from long-term, irreversible harm of gender transition.
“As a parent and legislator, this issue weighs heavily on my heart,” said Rep. Allen. “I’ve watched with growing concern as children struggling with gender dysphoria—beautiful, unique kids who are trying to find their place in the world—are being offered chemical puberty blockers and surgeries as the solution.”
During the hearing, there were medical doctors that spoke to the lack of evidence for medical gender intervention actually helping minors while also sharing evidence of the long-term harm.
The testimony of Jamie Reed was especially powerful. She used to work as a case manager at the Washington University Pediatric Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital before she exposed how doctors were pushing transition on kids without providing needed assessments or informed consent.
In a sworn affidavit, she stated, “I personally witnessed Center healthcare providers lie to the public and to parents of patients about the treatment, or lack of treatment, and the effects of treatment provided to children.” Later the affidavit reads, “Even when it is clear that the cross-sex hormones or puberty blockers are harming the child, the Center continues that treatment.”
“The Help Not Harm Act is about offering real help. That’s why the bill has received broad support from many different groups including adult trans individuals, LGB groups, parent advocates, feminists, doctors, counselors, social workers, educators, and faith groups who all care about helping, not harming, our children,” said Rep Allen.
The Help Not Harm Act was co-authored by Rep Allen (R-Waukesha), Rep Robin Vos (R-Rochester), and Sen. Cory Tomczyk (R-Mosinee).
