Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed Senate Bill 63, which sought to ban gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors. The Republican-led state legislature intends to challenge her decision, though their previous attempt to override a similar veto in May failed.
The proposed legislation would bar healthcare providers from offering gender-affirming care, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and support for social transitions, such as using preferred pronouns or clothing. Despite endorsements of such care from major medical associations as safe, effective, and essential, the bill would mandate that minors receiving these treatments de-transition.
Additionally, the bill threatens severe penalties for medical providers, including loss of state funding, license revocation under accusations of “professional incompetency” or “unprofessional conduct,” and legal exposure to lawsuits from patients or parents for up to 10 years after the patient turns 18.
In her statement on Tuesday, Kelly criticised the bill, saying, “It is not the job of politicians to stand between a parent and a child who needs medical care of any kind. Infringing on parental rights is not appropriate, nor is it a Kansas value.”
She also warned of the potential economic impact, stating, “This legislation will also drive families, businesses, and healthcare workers out of our state, stifling our economy and exacerbating our workforce shortage issue.”
Republican leaders have vowed to overturn Kelly’s veto. Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson posted on X, “The Senate stands firmly on the side of protecting Kansas children and will swiftly override her veto before the ink from her pen is dry.”
With a 31-9 majority in the Senate and an 88-37 majority in the House, Republicans hold enough votes for a two-thirds majority required for an override. However, they failed to do so last May when two House Republicans reversed their positions.
Republican state Rep. Susan Concannon, who withdrew her support during the previous override attempt, said, “With further consideration, this bill is vague beyond the surgery. These decisions belong between the team of professionals and the parents. The youth need our help, not government overreach.”
Approximately 200 healthcare professionals have signed an open letter urging lawmakers to uphold the veto, stating, “Transgender youth are not making impulsive decisions but are engaging in a thoughtful process with the support of their families, mental health professionals, and medical providers. Banning essential healthcare for transgender Kansans under the age of 18 removes a crucial lifeline and places them at risk of long-term psychological harm.”
