MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama legislature is considering a proposal to raise the age of medical majority from 14 to 18, a move that has ignited controversy and drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. The proposed legislation would require individuals under 18 to obtain parental consent for most medical treatments, a significant shift from the current law that allows minors aged 14 and older to make medical decisions independently.
Critics argue that the proposal, backed by the conservative group Moms for Liberty, is a targeted effort to restrict healthcare access for transgender youth. They contend that the change would make it more difficult for transgender minors to receive gender-affirming care, which often includes counseling and hormone treatments.
Moms for Liberty, founded in 2021 by former school board members Tiffany Justice and Tina Descovich, has gained national attention for its efforts to influence educational and healthcare policies. The organization has been involved in campaigns against mask mandates in schools, the inclusion of critical race theory in curricula, and the availability of books addressing LGBTQ topics in school libraries.
The group’s actions have sparked significant debate and criticism. Opponents argue that Moms for Liberty’s initiatives are part of a broader agenda that undermines the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and other marginalized groups.
Supporters of the legislation argue that parents should have a say in their children’s medical decisions until they reach adulthood. Rep. Susan DuBose, who introduced the bill, stated, “This is about ensuring that parents are involved in critical healthcare decisions affecting their children.”
The proposal comes amid a wave of similar legislative efforts across the United States, where debates over parental rights and transgender healthcare have become increasingly polarized. If passed, Alabama would join several other states that have enacted laws restricting access to gender-affirming care for minors.
The bill is currently under review by a legislative committee, with hearings expected to draw testimony from both supporters and opponents. As Alabama navigates this contentious issue, the outcome could have significant implications for the state’s healthcare policies and its LGBTQ+ community.