Abbott Directs DFPS to Investigate Use of Puberty Blockers as Child Abuse After Attorney General Opinion

Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) today to begin investigating the use of puberty blockers and other gender transition procedures as child abuse.“

Because the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services is responsible for protecting children from abuse, I hereby direct your agency to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of any reported instances of these abusive procedures in the State of Texas,” Abbott’s letter reads.

“To protect Texas children from abuse, DFPS and all other state agencies must follow the law as explained in OAG Opinion No. KP-04.”

DFPS manages the state’s foster care system and is responsible for child protection. Under Abbott’s directive, the agency now has the duty to investigate the families of children who undergo these gender transition procedures.