Opinion: Too Young to Marry, Old Enough to Transition? What's Too Young?

Photo byGerd Altmann / Pixabay

Transgender is a hot topic these days, but the attention has turned from whether it's right or wrong to whether or not minors should be able to receive gender affirmation services. There are reports of children younger than 3 identifying as a gender other than the one they were born with.

Debates have ensued all across the country as to whether states should ban gender affirmation services for individuals under 18 years of age. Consider these facts:

• Individuals under the age of 16 cannot drive vehicles unsupervised.
• It is illegal to marry under the age of 18 without parental consent.
• You must be 17 years old with parental consent to serve our country and 18 years of age without.
• You must be 18 years old to vote in county, state, or national elections.
• You must be 21 years of age to legally purchase and consume alcohol.
• You must be 21 years old to purchase tobacco products.

Why are these age limits in place? It's because children's brains aren't fully developed yet. They do not have the emotional or mental maturity to always make wise decisions. The younger a child, the less developed and mature they are. Children are equipped to make adult decisions that could impact the rest of their lives.

The decision to transition is an adult one that children are not prepared to make. Think about how much you changed between childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Chances are you don't even recognize your former self.

Allowing children to receive permanent gender affirmation services is setting them up for potential major life regrets when they enter adulthood.

Our country's age restrictions are in place for a reason. Children's choices and opportunities should not be stripped away before they've had a chance to spread their wings and figure out who they are.

Please consider following me if you like this article. Writers like myself greatly appreciate the support. If you haven't already, be sure to download the free NewsBreak app and receive local and national news at your fingertips.

Want to write for NewsBreak? Click here to learn how!