Gender-affirming care saves lives, but this year has brought a record-breaking number of attacks on the LGBTQ+ community by legislatures across the country—including Iowa.

Governor Reynolds just signed a ban on gender-affirming care for minors in Iowa. The bill, SF 538, prohibits Iowa doctors from prescribing puberty blockers and hormone therapy to transgender youth under 18. It also prohibits any surgeries on minors intended to affirm a gender that does not match the person’s sex assigned at birth. The bill goes into effect immediately, but gives patients currently receiving care 180 days to cease care or find alternatives out of state.

Iowans have been showing up and speaking out against this harmful legislation, and rather than listen, Reynolds chose to hide behind closed doors as she signed away their essential health care.

This is yet another cruel attack on transgender and gender expansive youth. Gender-affirming care is essential, lifesaving, and supported by every credible medical organization in the United States. This is not about Iowans’ health or safety: it is about politicians taking away young people’s bodily autonomy and control.

When the law goes into effect, Planned Parenthood North Central States will continue to provide gender-affirming care to patients 18 and older at our Iowa health centers.

All transgender and gender expansive people of all ages deserve respect and autonomy. We will do everything we can to help Iowans get the essential care they need.

In solidarity,


Dr. Nicole Chaisson
Associate Medical Director
Planned Parenthood North Central States