ATLANTA – State Representatives Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Sandra Scott (D-Rex) and Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) today issued the following statements regarding their opposition to Senate Bill 140, legislation which would prohibit medical professionals from providing sex reassignment surgeries and hormone replacement therapies to minors with gender dysphoria.
“As a critical care nurse, I was once accused of watching TV while in charge of my unit,” said Rep. Davis. “The civilian did not know that the device he/she called a TV was actually a monitor with detailed readings of vital signs, readings from medical equipment, etc. Unfortunately, the family member did not understand the medical profession’s standard of care, equipment, etc. With the passage of Senate Bill 140, many doctors and health care professionals could be charged with a crime due to treating their patients who may be transgender due to misinformation and/or misunderstandings. This legislation will make physicians criminally and civilly liable for following accepted and scientifically-backed standards of care.”
“I am saddened that the House voted to pass legislation that would fail to protect the parent-child relationship, criminalize doctors and overstep the boundaries of government inserting their personal views in our personal lives,” said Rep. Schofield. “I opposed this bill because there were other options that were not considered and credible voices in the medical field that were omitted in creating this bill. The impact that this bill will have on youth and families is immeasurable. This bill is discriminatory and hypocritical at best.”
“I am appalled with the passing of this legislation,” said Rep. Scott. “Senate Bill 140 is both discriminatory and will have a negative impact on our children which can result in more children committing suicide if it is signed into law. SB 140 would prevent parents from making decisions on behalf of their minor children. SB 140 would prohibit doctors and medical institutions from providing medically indicated and sanctioned care, making them liable if they do treat children for their gender dysphoria. My heart cries out to our families with transgender children in Georgia. Let’s continue to work together to make the change we seek in the General Assembly.”
Senate Bill 140 would prohibit the use of sex reassignment surgeries and hormone replacement therapies on minors in a licensed institution for the treatment of gender dysphoria. The bill includes exceptions for the treatment of sex development disorders, androgen insensitivity syndrome and other medical conditions. Minors who began hormone replacement therapies before July 1, 2023, would be exempt. Licensed physicians in violation would be held administratively responsible by the medical board if they violate the provisions of SB 140.
Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes portions of Clayton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves as the Minority Caucus Chief Deputy Whip. She also serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.
Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, Natural Resources & Environment and Urban Affairs committees.
Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 63, which includes portions of Fulton County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves as the Secretary of the Urban Affairs Committee. She also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Health, Interstate Cooperation and Small Business Development committees.
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