Washington state lawmakers pass protections for teens seeking gender-affirming care

Washington state lawmakers approved a bill Wednesday that protects teen runaways seeking gender-affirming or reproductive health care.

Senate Bill 5599 is now headed to Gov. Jay Inslee's desk for a signature.

Normally, when a teen runaway arrives at a shelter, staff have to notify their parents, unless there is evidence of abuse or neglect. The bill carves out two more exceptions: teens seeking gender-affirming or reproductive health care.

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Opponents who spoke during public testimony at the capitol in February were largely concerned about parental rights. Eric Pratt commented that he thinks the bill will enable children to make poor health-care decisions "without the guidance of their own parents. It’s really concerning, as a parent."

“I can imagine children running from another state to Washington with this idea that they are going to be cared for outside the parental guidance that is necessary for their own health care," Pratt said.

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Supporters argued that the bill will protect young people who are at risk of depression and suicide, who are facing family rejection, and will provide those youth with a safe place while they seek health care.

Sen. Marko Liias (D-Mukilteo) sponsored the bill, and also commented in February, saying that the new law is needed to support youth who are not supported at home.

“We know when people don’t have access to gender-affirming care, it leads to lifelong challenges in terms of mental health," Liias said.