South Dakota has become the first state in the country to pass legislation that would force trans children to detransition. This legislation is the second to target healthcare for trans people this year. It bans all gender-affirming treatment for patients younger than 18 years.

The notoriously pro-NRA, anti-trans rights Governor Kristi Noem (R) signed the bill into law on Monday. According to Vice, Kristi Noem (R), signed the bill into legislation. Although all bans on trans healthcare are irreparably damaging, South Dakota’s law, which was signed into law by Kristi Noem (R), is explicit violent and the first of its type. Healthcare professionals have until December 31st to cease treatment of patients who are currently receiving gender-affirming medical care, including hormone therapy, surgery, and puberty blockers. Doctors who do not comply could lose their medical license and be sued.

“South Dakota’s children are our future.” Noem stated that this legislation will protect children from dangerous, permanent medical procedures. In a previous vote, the Republican majority state senate passed the legislation (known as House Bill 1080) in a 30-4 vote.

Only one concession is made by the legislation: if a healthcare professional determines that “immediately terminating a minor’s use or hormone would cause harm,” the professional can “systematically reduce” the patient’s treatment over a time period, according to the language in the bill. Ironically, cutting off minors’ gender-affirming care would result in harm. This could include increased suicide risk, depression, and heightened gender dysphoria. Reversing any progress made during a transition is not only barbaric, but also inhumane.

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Noem is determined to become a Republican presidential vice-presidential candidate. Her radical stance against denying the rights and lived experiences of trans children seems to be helping her in her political quest. CNN reports that Noem has been a vocal opponent of transgender governors throughout the country. South Dakota, which passed a law last February banning transgender girls and women from participating in sports teams that are consistent with their gender, was also the first state to do so.

The new South Dakota law is yet another in a series of anti-LGBTQ bills that Republican has been circulating for years. They are the majority of which target trans people’s freedom to live in their states. Vice reports that at least 18 other states have also considered gender-affirming care laws. Mississippi is looking at legislation that would mirror South Dakota’s approach to requiring youth to detransition. A Florida bill, however, would ban all gender-affirming care for minors and not force those who are already receiving care to detransition. Oklahoma, South Carolina and Virginia all have introduced legislation that would ban some gender-affirming care for adults.