Senate Republicans Move to Codify Trump’s Executive Order with the “Chloe Cole Act,” Banning Chemical and Surgical Transgender Procedures for Children
The political battle over transgender healthcare for minors has taken a new and very public turn as Senate Republicans push forward the Chloe Cole Act, a bill designed to ban chemical and surgical procedures for children who identify as transgender. The act is named after Chloe Cole, a young woman who has become a prominent voice in the debate after undergoing a double mastectomy at the age of 15 and later expressing deep regret about the irreversible decision. Her story has been frequently highlighted by those who believe children are too young to make permanent choices about their bodies, and her name has now become central to one of the most contentious policy debates in America.
The bill is being introduced by Senator Bob Onder on September 18, 2025, and its aim is to codify into law an executive order signed by Donald Trump earlier this year. That order restricted the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries for minors, citing both medical risks and ethical concerns. The Chloe Cole Act would give those restrictions the weight of federal law, making it more difficult for future administrations to roll them back. Supporters of the legislation say that it is necessary to protect vulnerable children from procedures they may later regret, pointing to Cole’s experience as an example of what can go wrong.
Medical research has long fueled both sides of this heated debate. A 2021 study published in Pediatrics found that transgender youth who were supported by their families and had access to affirming care were less likely to suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts. This study has been widely cited by advocates of gender-affirming healthcare as proof that early intervention can literally save lives. On the other side, skeptics argue that there is not enough long-term data on the impact of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, especially when it comes to bone health and fertility. A 2022 review in Acta Paediatrica raised concerns that puberty blockers may affect bone density and long-term development, fueling calls for more caution.
For Republicans, this bill is not only about health but also about political strategy. By putting the Chloe Cole Act on the floor for a vote, they are forcing Democrats to go on record either supporting or opposing the restrictions. In a sharply divided Congress, the issue is likely to ignite emotional debate, with both sides framing the matter as a question of children’s rights and safety. For Democrats, the focus is likely to be on parental rights, mental health, and the importance of affirming care. For Republicans, the argument is centered on protecting minors from what they view as experimental and potentially harmful treatments.
The political backdrop to this is equally important. Earlier in January 2025, the White House dissolved the Gender Policy Council, which had been a central body for promoting transgender healthcare under previous administrations. That move signaled a major shift away from federal support for gender-affirming care, leaving many activists and families feeling abandoned. Against that backdrop, the Chloe Cole Act is being presented not just as legislation but as a broader cultural statement about the direction the country is taking on transgender rights.
The bill’s name itself tells a story. Chloe Cole has testified publicly about her struggles, saying that as a teenager she was encouraged to pursue medical transition but later felt she had been misled about the consequences. Her testimony has become central to Republican efforts, resonating with many Americans who fear that children are being rushed into decisions without fully understanding the lifelong implications. Whether her experience is representative or not, it has become the human face of this political battle.
As the Senate prepares to take up the bill, emotions are running high. For families with transgender children, the outcome could have a life-changing impact, determining whether they have access to medical interventions in the future. For political leaders, it is an opportunity to define their values on one of the most divisive social issues of our time. And for the nation, it is another reminder that the debate over gender, identity, and healthcare is far from settled.
