Local psychotherapist and parents discuss their opposition to partial ban on trans health care

A Local psychotherapist and parents respond to SB 140. From left to Right: (Parent) Sarah Price, Psychotherapist & Gender Specialist Katie Leikam, (Parent) Jonathan Smith, (Parent) Linda Grabbe. (Tiffany Griffith/WABE)

Katie Leikam, a Decatur-based psychotherapist and gender specialist, says children, who don’t receive gender-affirming care, are more likely to self-harm and experience suicidal ideation.

Leikam was one of a few guests on Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” who discussed SB140 advancing in the Georgia legislature on Tuesday.

The proposed legislation, backed by Sen. Carden Summers and several other lawmakers, passed during a Georgia House Public Health Committee hearing in a 12-10 vote. If the bill becomes law, the measure will block trans youth from receiving hormone replacement therapy and prohibit medical professionals from performing certain surgical procedures at hospitals and other licensed healthcare facilities.