Puerto Rico
On July 17, 2025, Puerto Rico's governor signed a controversial law banning hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries for transgender individuals under the age of 21. The legislation enforces strict penalties, including up to 15 years in prison, fines of $50,000, and the revocation of licenses and permits for violating medical professionals. The law argues that minors lack the emotional and cognitive maturity to make irreversible medical decisions and prohibits public funding for such treatments.
The move has sparked strong backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates and professional organizations. Puerto Rico’s LGBTQ+ Federation condemned the law as cruel and announced intentions to challenge its constitutionality in court. Additionally, numerous local professional medical and legal associations had petitioned the governor to veto the bill. This legal action places Puerto Rico among approximately two dozen U.S. states with similar restrictions on gender-affirming care for trans youth.
