Bill · S. 5202· Senate(119-S-5202)
Protecting Our Kids from Harmful Research Act
- Introduced
- 7/30/2026
- Last activity
- 7/30/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Mike Lee
- Cosponsors
- - 6 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is titled the "Protecting Our Kids from Harmful Research Act." It aims to prohibit the use of Federal funds for research or publications related to gender transition in individuals under the age of 18. This includes a ban on observational studies that gather evidence regarding hormonal treatments or surgical procedures for minors. The prohibition applies to efforts intended to affirm a minor's sex perception or asserted identity if they are incongruent with the person's sex. Under this act, sex is defined strictly by reproductive biology and genetics at birth.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
The bill uses federal authority to prohibit the use of federal funds for specific research purposes.
The opposite· 3 of 7
Would LGBTQ people be better off under this?-8
The bill specifically targets and limits research and support for gender transition and identity.
Does this expand the rights of LGBTQ people?-7
The bill targets gender identity and restricts research that affirms a minor's gender transition.
Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated?-5
The bill imposes a strict biological definition of sex that may impact gender-affirming care.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Restriction of Federal Funding for Specific Research: The bill prevents Federal funds from being used for research or publications regarding gender transition in minors, including studies on hormonal treatments or surgical procedures (Section 2(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Limitation on Research and Publications: Federal funds may no longer be used for any research or publications regarding gender transition in individuals under 18, including observational studies on hormonal treatments or surgical procedures (Section 2(a)).
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Restriction on Affirming Identity via Research: The bill prohibits the use of Federal funds for research intended to affirm a minor's sex perception or asserted identity if those are incongruent with their sex at birth (Section 2(a)).
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Strict Definition of Sex: The bill mandates that sex be recognized solely based on a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth (Section 2(b)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For L G B T Q Community-8Good For Children-4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves L G B T Q Rights-7Improves Gender Equality-5
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access-5Increases Research Funding-5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding-5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5
- 7/30/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Marsha BlackburnRepublican · Tennessee
Ted CruzRepublican · Texas
Steve DainesRepublican · Montana
Cynthia LummisRepublican · Wyoming
James LankfordRepublican · Oklahoma
Tommy TubervilleRepublican · Alabama