Gov. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) signed the “Help Not Harm” bill into law on Monday, effectively banning certain medical and surgical interventions, such as puberty blockers and genital surgery, for trans youth.
The new law, which takes effect July 1, prohibits health care providers from violating the ban or they risk having their medical license revoked, and possible legal action. The state Senate approved the bill on Feb. 9.
“South Dakota’s kids are our future. With this legislation, we are protecting kids from harmful, permanent medical procedures,” Noem said in a statement. “I will always stand up for the next generation of South Dakotans.”…}