A bill in Wisconsin, AB-104, is part of a growing wave of anti-trans legislation across the U.S. This bill would ban gender-affirming medical care for anyone under 18, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy. It would also prevent doctors from referring young patients to other medical professionals for this type of care. If a doctor is caught providing gender-affirming treatment, they could face serious consequences such as losing their medical license. This bill has passed assembly on Thursday, March 20.
Supporters of the bill, like Republican lawmakers Sen. Cory Tomczyk and Rep. Scott Allen, claim that the bill is meant to protect children by stopping them from making life-changing medical decisions before they turn 18. However, medical experts and LGBTQ+ advocates argue that gender-affirming care is safe, well-researched, and often life-saving. Major medical organizations, like the American Academy of Pediatrics, support this care as an essential part of healthcare for transgender youth.
This bill is part of a more significant wave of anti-trans legislation appearing across the country. In 2025 alone, hundreds of bills targeting transgender people have been introduced in nearly every state. Many focus on restricting healthcare, limiting rights in schools, and controlling access to public spaces. Currently, 39 anti-trans bills have passed, 715 active anti-trans bills are being considered, and 42 have failed.
TikTok user @demoura713 says, “Children should not be allowed to make life-altering decisions before they can fully understand the consequences of them, regardless of parental consent.”
The debate over AB-104 has been heated. At a recent assembly hearing, Democratic lawmakers questioned why politicians, rather than doctors and families, should decide what medical care is appropriate. Rep. Lisa Subeck asked if any of the bill’s authors had medical training.
While many spoke in favor of the bill, others changed their views after hearing testimonies from trans people and medical experts. One man named Larry, who originally came to support the bill, changed his mind after hearing testimonies from transgender individuals and medical experts.
TikTok user @hehehehehehehahe says, “Low-information voters aren’t necessarily bad people, they don’t know what they don’t know.”
“Not everyone has the same access and education or understanding of politics.”
