STATEMENT: PDE Action Supports Guaranteeing Unalienable and Anatomical Rights for Dependents (GUARD) Act

Congresswoman Hageman’s and Senator Jim Banks’ GUARD Act amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to preclude states from receiving federal funding if they discriminate against parents for not allowing their child to undergo gender transition.  

If passed, funding from the Department of Health and Human Servies (HHS) as described in the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act will not be allocated to any state that punishes parents for opposing the social or medical gender transition of their child. The GUARD Act also centers the parent’s or legal guardian’s judgement regarding their child’s gender expression over a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria.  

Further, the GUARD Act establishes a parent’s right to sue the HHS if the parent is discriminated against by a state who receives HHS funding under the Child Abuse and Prevention Act. A suit of this nature would halt HHS funding to the state.  

You can view the full text of the bill here.  

“Parents want nothing more than to protect their children. No parent should be punished for wanting to protect their child from an ideology that opens itself up to experimental medical practices which cause irreparable harm to a child’s physical and mental health. By asserting that state governments cannot discriminate against parents who oppose their child experimenting with gender ideology, Senator Banks’ and Congresswoman Hageman’s GUARD Act ensures that parents will not be punished for doing what only a loving parent can do best—protecting their children.” – PDE Action