Law banning gender affirming treatments for minors meets with strong opposition

Public Affairs Secretary Hiram Torres Montalvo, center, stated that minors under 21 who have already begun gender affirming treatments are allowed to continue those treatments in private hospitals.

By The Star Staff

In a controversial move, Gov. Jenniffer González Colón has signed legislation prohibiting gender-affirming treatments such as hormone therapy and surgeries for transgender individuals under the age of 21 in Puerto Rico.

The decision has been met with strong opposition from activists.

The new law, enacted on Wednesday, imposes severe penalties on violators, including a 15-year prison sentence, a $50,000 fine, and the revocation of all medical licenses and permits for involved staff. The legislation cites the vulnerability of minors in making decisions with irreversible consequences, asserting that it is the state’s responsibility to ensure their overall well-being.

Critics argue that the law unfairly targets transgender youth and undermines their right to access necessary healthcare. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have promised to challenge the constitutionality of the legislation in court, asserting that it is both cruel and inhumane.

Following the signing of Act 63-2025, Public Affairs Secretary Hiram Torres Montalvo stated on Radio Isla that minors under 21 who have already begun gender-affirming treatments are allowed to continue those treatments in private hospitals.

“People who have already started this treatment can continue it because the law is prospective,” he said. “That is, if you haven’t started another treatment, you cannot begin one now. However, if you were already undergoing this type of treatment, you can continue receiving it in a private institution that does not receive public funds.”

“We are emphasizing that our administration’s public policy is to protect minors from this type of treatment,” the official added.

Carlos Díaz Vélez, president of the Puerto Rico Physicians and Surgeons Association, criticized the governor’s signing of Senate Bill 350, highlighting the negative implications the legislation may have for healthcare professionals and transgender youth.

“Many of these decisions can even endanger lives, as the medications are administered in a deceptive manner to patients whose bodies are already adapting,” he emphasized. “Changes are occurring in the body, and reversing them can lead to consequences and complications that may be worse than the original situation. This is a problem of interference without proper consultation with experts.”