“To safeguard Texas children from abuse, DFPS must follow the law,” Abbott stated in a letter that he sent to DFPS Tuesday.
The directive will require licensed professionals to report children who are subject to such abuse to the appropriate authorities. The governor stated that such procedures include “reassignment surgery that can cause sterilization or mastectomies and removal of otherwise healthy body part, as well as administration of puberty-blocking medications or supraphysiologic doses testosterone or estrogen.”
Any licensed state professionals who interact directly with children (including teachers and doctors) could be punished for failing to report the procedures.
The governor ordered the DFPS, and other state agencies, to investigate parents of transgender kids as well as licensed facilities that provide gender-transitioning services for children.
This directive follows a Texas Attorney General Paxton’s formal opinion declaring that gender-transitioning procedures are child abuse. “
“There is no doubt these procedures are ‘abuse’ under Texas law and must be halted,” Paxton stated. “
The Trevor Project, a LGBTQ nonprofit, says that access to gender-affirming care is important in dealing with mental health issues for youth. “
Amit Paley, the CEO of the organization and executive director of Amit Paley, condemned Abbot’s directive.
Paley stated that Texas parents who support trans children should be applauded and not prosecuted. “
