The Chloe Cole Act is a proposed federal legislation introduced by Rep. Bob Onder, a Republican from Missouri, aimed at preventing minors from undergoing gender-related medical procedures that are deemed life-altering. This initiative comes alongside the advocacy of Chloe Cole, a notable detransitioner, who emphasizes the need for legislative measures to protect children from premature medical decisions regarding their gender identity. Onder, who also has a medical background, highlights the risks and psychological impacts associated with these treatments, reflecting concerns among some lawmakers and constituents about the rapid growth of transgender healthcare options for youth.

According to Onder, the bill seeks to not only restrict access to such procedures but also empower parents and minors to hold medical practitioners legally accountable for the decisions made. He argues that in the last 15 years, the transgender movement has led many young individuals to believe they are misaligned with their biological sex, and he claims that a surge of clinics have exploited this situation. The proposed act has ignited a broader debate regarding medical ethics, parental rights, and the rights of transgender and non-binary children, particularly in how society navigates the complexities of gender identity and medical intervention at a young age.

As this legislation sees movement in Congress, it represents a significant intersection of healthcare policy, political ideology, and the rights of minors, raising questions about the balance between medical guidance and legislative restrictions. The implications of the Chloe Cole Act could shape the future landscape of transgender healthcare for minors in the United States, affecting not only access to medical procedures but also the broader societal understanding of gender identity among youth.