NW Houston News

Congressman Dan Crenshaw of Texas, alongside Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, has introduced a new bill titled the "Do No Harm in Medicaid Act." The proposed legislation aims to prevent federal Medicaid funds from being used for gender transition procedures for minors. This initiative is part of the House Republican budget reconciliation process and seeks to protect children from irreversible medical interventions while ensuring responsible use of federal resources.

The bill proposes an amendment to the Social Security Act, classifying gender transition procedures for minors as prohibited services under Medicaid. This includes surgeries, hormone therapies, and puberty blockers intended to alter a minor’s biological sex. However, funding will continue for medically necessary treatments related to conditions like precocious puberty or life-threatening illnesses.

"The American people deserve accountability in how their taxpayer dollars are spent," Congressman Crenshaw stated. He emphasized that using Medicaid funds for such procedures on minors is both medically irresponsible and a betrayal of public trust.

The introduction of this legislation represents a strategic move within the context of Medicaid to comply with budget reconciliation requirements. Such measures can bypass the Senate's 60-vote threshold by adhering strictly to budgetary implications as outlined by the Byrd rule.

Crenshaw's legislative efforts build upon his previous initiatives aimed at protecting children and ensuring accountability in healthcare funding. These include co-sponsoring bills like the Protect Children’s Innocence Act and supporting acts that require parental consent regarding children's gender identification changes.

Dr. Stanley Goldfarb, Chairman of Do No Harm, expressed support for the bill stating that "dangerous and irreversible sex change interventions for children should have no place in the American medical system." Craig DeRoche, President and CEO of Family Policy Alliance, also commended Crenshaw's efforts, emphasizing that "the Federal government should not be funding these barbaric sterilization and mutilation procedures."