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Nebraska Bill Restricts Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 9:30 GMT by Omaha.com
      Locales: Nebraska, UNITED STATES

LINCOLN, Neb. - A controversial bill aimed at restricting gender-affirming care for minors in Nebraska moved forward Tuesday after a prolonged and passionate first-round debate in the state Legislature. Legislative Bill (LB) currently designated as a placeholder, seeks to prohibit licensed medical professionals from providing hormone therapies, puberty blockers, and surgical interventions to individuals under the age of 18 who are seeking to transition genders. The advancement of the bill has ignited a fierce debate, pitting proponents who frame it as child protection against opponents who decry it as a harmful infringement on medical freedom and the well-being of transgender youth.

Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, the bill's sponsor, has consistently articulated that the measure is fundamentally about safeguarding children. "This is about protecting our children," Erdman stated during Tuesday's debate. "They're not old enough to make these decisions." This sentiment reflects a broader concern, often raised by bill supporters, that minors lack the maturity and cognitive capacity to fully comprehend the long-term implications of medical interventions related to gender transition. Critics of this argument point to existing standards of care for transgender youth, which emphasize extensive psychological evaluations, parental consent, and a gradual, multi-step process before any medical interventions are considered.

Sen. Patty Patek of Omaha offered a seemingly contrasting, yet supporting view, by emphasizing the importance of parental rights and the doctor-patient relationship. "Parents know their children best," Patek argued. "This bill respects parents and the doctor-patient relationship." This position attempts to reconcile the concern for child welfare with the principle of family autonomy. However, opponents argue that the bill ultimately limits parental options and prevents them from making informed medical decisions in consultation with their child's healthcare provider.

On the opposing side, Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha delivered a forceful rebuke of the legislation, stating, "This bill is about denying care to children who need it. It's about telling transgender children that they're not valid." This statement encapsulates the central argument of opponents, who contend that the bill stigmatizes transgender youth, denies them access to potentially life-saving healthcare, and exacerbates existing mental health challenges within the community. Numerous studies have demonstrated a significantly higher rate of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among transgender youth, and opponents fear this bill will only worsen these statistics.

Dr. Jeremy Welch of Omaha, a pediatrician specializing in transgender care, provided expert testimony to senators, outlining the potential devastating impact of the bill. "This bill will have devastating consequences for transgender children and their families," Welch warned. He and other medical professionals emphasize that gender-affirming care is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather a tailored, evidence-based treatment plan designed to address the specific needs of each individual patient. Puberty blockers, for instance, are often reversible and provide time for adolescents to explore their gender identity before making irreversible decisions. Hormone therapy and surgery are typically reserved for older adolescents and require rigorous evaluation and consent processes.

The debate surrounding this bill is occurring within a broader national context of increasing legislative efforts to restrict access to gender-affirming care for minors. Similar bills have been introduced and, in some cases, passed in other states, leading to legal challenges and heightened anxiety within the transgender community. Advocates for transgender rights are organizing protests and lobbying efforts to oppose these bills, arguing that they are discriminatory and harmful. Conversely, conservative groups are mobilizing support for the legislation, framing it as a necessary step to protect children from what they view as irreversible and potentially harmful medical procedures.

The bill's passage through the first round of debate indicates a strong likelihood of further consideration. It now requires 30 votes to pass the officially unicameral Nebraska Legislature. The coming days are expected to be filled with further debate, amendments, and potentially, emotional testimony from both supporters and opponents of the legislation. The outcome will likely have a profound impact on the lives of transgender youth and their families in Nebraska, as well as contribute to the ongoing national conversation about gender identity, medical freedom, and the rights of minors.