South Dakota second state to ban gender-affirming care for trans youth

Details: The law bars health care workers from prescribing puberty blockers and sex reassignment surgeries.

• It does not limit or prevent provisions of services to minors born or diagnosed with a "medically verifiable disorder of sex development," according to the bill's text.

What they're saying: "I am signing HB 1080 to protect our kids from harmful, permanent medical procedures," Noem said in a statement. "I will always stand up for the next generation of South Dakotans."

Yes, but: Reputable medical groups, including the American Medical Association, have warned of the negative mental health impacts spurred by restrictions on gender-affirming care, especially for trans youth who have an increased risk of suicide.

• A January 2022 survey by the Trevor Project found that over two-thirds of LGBTQ youth said recent debates over anti-trans state laws have hurt their mental health.

Worth noting: South Dakota's ban comes a year after Noem signed into law a bill barring trans girls and women from participating in school sports that align with their gender identity.

• The White House later condemned the measure, accusing state lawmakers of putting trans youth and their families at risk of bullying and discrimination.

The big picture: The Department of Justice has said that blocking access to treatments could violate "federal constitutional and statutory provisions that protect transgender youth against discrimination."

• Utah was the first state to enact a ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth this year.