An act relating to prohibited activities regarding gender transition procedures relative to minors, and including effective date and applicability provisions.
The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 33–16 on March 7 and the House of Representatives by a vote of 58–39 on March 8.[2][3] A major high school student protest took place on March 1 in protest of Senate File 538.[4][5]
Provisions
Senate File 538 prohibits medical professionals from providing gender-affirming medical care to minors in the state of Iowa. A grandfather clause was included, which allowed Iowan minors already receiving such care to continue receiving it until September 18, 2023.[6][7] Medical professionals who violate the law can be subject to disciplinary actions or lawsuits.[8]
The bill separately contains language specifying it does not violate the Iowa Civil Rights Act, which drew controversy.[9][10]
Reactions
Support
Governor Kim Reynolds did not strongly support Senate Bill 538, but signed it into law. She stated in a press conference that while the bill would harm some Iowans, it was necessary for the safety of children as the long-term effects of such care are unknown.[11][12] A poll conducted between March 5-8 by Selzer & Co. showed that 52% of Iowans supported such a ban.[13] The main sponsor of the bill, Steven Holt, stated that he did not believe that gender-affirming care for minors had enough evidence to be safe.[14]
Opposition
Several local organizations and medical professionals opposed Senate File 538, including the Human Rights Campaign and One Iowa Action.[15][16][17][18] Over 60 businesses are known to have opposed Senate File 538.[19][20] The Iowa Starting Line did not officially take a stance but referred to the bill as "homophobic".[21]The Scarlet & Black, a newspaper connected to Grinnell College, opposed Senate File 538.[22]
References
↑Reynolds, Kim (March 22, 2023). "SF538_GovLetter.pdf"(PDF). Iowa Legislature. Retrieved June 2, 2025.
