McDowell Moves to Bar Foreign Doctors Who Perform Irreversible Procedures on American Minors

Washington, D.C. –  Today, Congressman Addison McDowell (NC-06) introduced the Protecting Children from Foreign Mutilation Act, legislation endorsed by the American Principles Project and designed to close a dangerous loophole that allows foreign doctors and clinics to perform irreversible gender transition procedures on American children overseas and then freely enter the United States without repercussions. 

As more states move to protect minors from these procedures, some are being encouraged to take children abroad to bypass U.S. safeguards. McDowell’s legislation responds by imposing visa sanctions on foreign individuals and institutions that perform, prescribe, or facilitate chemical or surgical gender interventions on American minors.

“This is about protecting kids, plain and simple,” said Congressman McDowell. “If a procedure is so extreme that it’s restricted in states here at home, we shouldn’t allow foreign actors to profit from it and then come back to the United States like nothing happened. American children deserve protection, not loopholes.”

“Voters gave Republicans a mandate to fix the Democrats’ immigration mess and root out evil from our health care system. The Protecting Children from Foreign Mutilation Act does both,” said Terry Schilling, President, American Principles Project. “American families deserve the very best care delivered by ethical doctors, not glorified butchers bearing dubious diplomas.”

ORIGINAL COSPONSORS: Congressman Josh Brecheen (OK-02), Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14), Congressman David Taylor (OH-02), Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03), and Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14). 

“America is on a path toward greatness, and protecting our children must be part of that future,” said Congressman Randy Weber. “We will not allow foreign providers to take advantage of American families or exploit loopholes to carry out irreversible procedures on U.S. minors. The Protecting Children from Foreign Mutilation Act draws a clear line by barring those individuals from entering the United States and puts the safety of our children first.”

"Foreigners who perform irreversible gender transition procedures on our children are not welcome here. Congress must continue our work to shield our children and families from falling victim to the Left's gender ideology, and I'm proud to support the Protecting Children from Foreign Mutilation Act,” said Congressman Dave Taylor.

The bill bars entry into the United States for foreign physicians and clinic operators involved in these procedures. It also applies visa sanctions to members of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), whose guidelines have been widely criticized for lacking age minimums for life-altering medical interventions. 

In addition, the legislation creates a reporting mechanism to help identify foreign actors who should be barred from entry, while carving out protections for whistleblowers who speak out against these practices.

“There is no reason Washington should look the other way while American kids are harmed overseas,” McDowell added. “This bill draws a clear line – if you participate in the mutilation of American children, you are not welcome in this country.”

The Protecting Children from Foreign Mutilation Act builds on growing concern about radical medical practices targeting minors and reinforces Congress’s responsibility to defend children. 

Read the full bill text here.