An overview of events signals ongoing division across the country in relation to school and state policies for children:
California AB 495: Governor Newsom signed a law allowing almost any adult to make school and medical decisions for a child using a Caregiver Authorization Affidavit—without parental consent.
Seattle Schools “Gender-Affirming” Products: Since March, students in Seattle public schools have had unrestricted access to items like chest binders and tucking products, delivered straight to their lockers.
North Dakota Legal Ruling: Last Wednesday, a North Dakota judge upheld the state’s ban on sex-rejecting interventions for minors with gender dysphoria.
Sincerely,
The Biological Integrity Team
The American College of Pediatricians
Newsom Signs Law Undermining Parental Authority
On Sunday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 495, a new law allowing almost any adult to use a Caregiver Authorization Affidavit to enroll a child in school and make medical decisions on their behalf—without requiring parental consent or notification.
The governor claims the measure will help children in unstable home situations, but this is a dangerous approach that weakens parental rights and could allow unverified adults to pose as guardians, creating serious safety and accountability concerns.
As Kristen Waggoner rightly points out, the law could enable everything from child trafficking to the separation of children from loving parents who question gender ideology.
Seattle Schools Push Risky Gender Products
It has become widespread that schools play a significant role in a child’s “social affirmation.” But Seattle Public Schools have taken this further by placing “gender-affirming” products—such as chest binders, Transtape, and tucking underwear—into lockers for students to access freely.
This initiative, coordinated with Seattle Children’s Hospital, began in March 2025 as part of the district’s “Community Health Lockers” program. It raises serious concerns about public institutions actively encouraging children to harm themselves mentally and physically, as these products can pose significant medical risks.
North Dakota Judge Upholds Ban on Interventions
Last Wednesday, a North Dakota judge upheld the state’s ban on sex-rejecting interventions for minors with gender dysphoria, ruling that the law does not violate the state constitution.
The ban, in effect since April 2023, classifies chemical interventions as misdemeanors and surgical interventions as a felony, though surgeries were not previously available in the state. This decision continues to ensure the protection of children in North Dakota.
