Protecting Our Kids from Harmful Research Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
- Committees
- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 30, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to prevent federal funding for any research or publications concerning gender transition for individuals under 18, based on a specific biological definition of sex at birth.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the use of any federal funds for research or publications related to gender transition in individuals under the age of 18. Specifically, it targets studies that gather evidence on hormonal treatments or surgical procedures for minors, if the purpose is to affirm a minor's perception of their sex or asserted identity when it is incongruent with their sex at birth, which is defined solely by reproductive biology and genetics.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill is a necessary measure to protect minors from potentially harmful, irreversible, and experimental medical interventions related to gender transition. They contend that children are not mature enough to make life-altering decisions about their gender identity and that federal funds should not be used to support practices they view as medically unproven or ethically questionable for this age group. They believe it upholds parental rights and safeguards children's long-term well-being.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that this bill is a discriminatory attack on transgender youth and their access to essential, medically necessary care. They argue it stifles critical scientific research, preventing the development of evidence-based guidelines for treating gender dysphoria in minors and potentially forcing families to seek less regulated or informed options. Critics also assert that the bill's definition of 'sex' is exclusionary and invalidates the identities of transgender individuals, potentially harming their mental and physical health.
The bill is extremely short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its provisions in less than a minute.
Section 2(a)
Prohibition on Use of Federal Funds for Gender Transition in Minors
This section establishes a comprehensive ban on the use of any federal funds for research or publications concerning gender transition in individuals under 18 years of age. This prohibition specifically includes observational studies that collect data on hormonal treatments or surgical procedures for minors. The ban applies when the research's purpose is to affirm a minor's perception of their sex or asserted identity if it is incongruent with their sex as defined by the bill.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision safeguards children from experimental and potentially irreversible medical procedures and treatments, asserting that minors are not mature enough to make such life-altering decisions. They believe federal funds should not support practices they view as harmful or ethically questionable for this vulnerable population.
Critics contend
Critics contend this provision is a direct attack on transgender youth and their access to necessary medical care. They argue it stifles critical medical research, preventing the development of evidence-based guidelines for care and potentially forcing families to seek less regulated or informed options. They also argue it denies the existence and needs of transgender youth and interferes with medical best practices.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances concerns about protecting minors from irreversible medical procedures against the right to access gender-affirming care and the need for scientific research to inform medical practice. It also highlights a tension between parental rights and medical autonomy versus state intervention in healthcare decisions for minors.
Section 2(b)
Definition of 'Sex'
This subsection defines the term 'sex' specifically for the purposes of this Act. It states that 'sex' shall be recognized based solely on a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth. This definition is fundamental to the entire bill, as it establishes the standard against which a minor's 'perception of his or her sex' or 'asserted identity' is deemed 'incongruent,' thereby triggering the federal funding prohibition.