On June 26, 2025, New Hampshire lawmakers in both the House and Senate approved two companion bills that would significantly restrict access to gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. One measure would prohibit doctors from prescribing puberty blockers or hormone therapy to anyone under 18; the other would ban “top” surgeries, such as elective mastectomies, for minors.
This legislation marks a continuation of Republican-led efforts in Concord to roll back transgender rights. A previous package of bills enacted last year already limited surgical interventions and barred trans girls from participating in girls’ school sports.
The bills now move to Governor Kelly Ayotte for her signature or veto.
What the Bills Do and Prevent
- HB 377: Bans puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for those under 18. Exceptions are allowed only for youth currently undergoing treatment before the end of this year.
- HB 712: Prohibits chest surgeries for minors, including mastectomies often sought as part of gender-affirming treatment.
Both measures carry broad implications. They recently passed conference committees and were advanced outside of veto day, suggesting fast-tracking toward final passage.
Democrat Resistance in the Face of Public Opinion
Despite polling showing most Granite Staters support restricting access to gender-affirming treatments, Democrats strongly opposed the bills, though some ultimately stood firm on principle. In the state’s final budget vote, NH Democrats opposed HB 377 and HB 712 and criticized the votes, even as leaders defended the rights of transgender youth to access safe, medically recommended care.
A University of New Hampshire poll cited by NH Journal showed 51% of state residents favor such bans, compared to 38% opposed, underscoring deep divisions.
National Context: Local Echo of Supreme Court Ruling
These New Hampshire bills follow closely on the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 18 decision upholding Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, including hormone therapy and puberty blockers. This decision has emboldened other states, like New Hampshire, that are adopting similar measures.
Legal scholars warn this trend could spur more states to challenge gender-affirming care rights, despite the potential harm to transgender youth and their families.
Why This Matters: Voices from the Community
Major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, support gender-affirming care as essential to improving mental health outcomes in transgender teens. Without access to puberty blockers and hormone therapy, many youth may experience serious psychological distress, depression, or anxiety.
Local advocates and families have warned that the legislation will exacerbate emotional harm, effectively denying critical care to vulnerable teens whose identities align with their deeply held sense of self.
What’s Next
Governor Ayotte now has the power to approve or veto these bills ahead of veto day in the fall. If signed, New Hampshire would join a growing cohort of states restricting transgender medical care for youth, even as many medical experts urge a more supportive and affirming approach.
Supporters of gender-affirming care, including families, providers, and allies, are already organizing to lobby the governor’s office and raise awareness about the real-world impact these laws will have on trans kids’ lives.
For Trans Youth, Families & Allies
- Stay informed: these bills may become law without a veto.
- Connect: reach out to local trans and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
- Engage: contact Governor Ayotte to share personal stories and ask for a compassionate veto.
- Support mental health: ensure youth have access to affirming support through providers or peer networks.
Amid rising legislative pressures, building community and allyship remains one of the strongest shields for trans youth today. If you need help finding resources or connecting with local support, please reach out; we’re here with you.
