The state of Illinois recently introduced a bill that would redefine “abused child” so as to include minors who’s parents do not want their children to receive puberty blocking hormones, cross-sex hormonal treatments, transgender surgery, or abortions.

House Bill 4876 was introduced early in February. It shields doctors who prescribe these treatments to minors without parental consent from liability. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services can also step in and remove children if necessary from their parents, using the new definition of “abused child”.

Illinois is looking to redefine “abused child” as any child whose parent refuses to consent to a gender change.

Parents will no longer need to consent to the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones or for surgeries!

Here’s something else. Doctors “shall not incur civil or criminal… pic.twitter.com/HpJOyWCfpU

Billboard Chris (@BillboardChris), February 20, 2024

According to the law, minors have the same legal standing as adults when it comes to consenting to medical procedures and treatments related to gender transition and abortion. “Consent to the performance by a child of gender affirming and abortion services is not invalidated because of this minor.”

Doctors who perform and prescribe such treatments are only required to make an effort to ensure the minor understands the risks and benefits. They are also exempted of any civil or criminal liability for their involvement in the treatment.

According to the bill “a health professional rendering abortion and gender affirming services shall not be held civilly or criminally liable for failing to obtain valid permission or disciplined for failures to obtain valid permission if they relied on the representations of the minor in good faith.”

DCFS could put parents in more trouble if it finds that abuse allegations are warranted. Illinois law classifies child abuse, depending on the severity and nature of the abuse, as a criminal offence that can result in a sentence ranging from one year of imprisonment and a fine of $2,500 to a felony punishable by up to $25,000.