Is Harris in favor of funding prisoner transition surgeries?

Welcome to our blog! Today, we’re diving into the controversy surrounding a recent Trump campaign ad targeting Vice President Kamala Harris. The ad claims that Harris supports taxpayer-funded gender transition surgeries for all prisoners and migrants in the United States, but let’s unpack this claim and provide some much-needed context.

The ad, paid for by former President Donald Trump’s campaign, features a narrator stating, “Kamala supports taxpayer-funded sex changes for prisoners,” and goes on to highlight her stance on this issue. However, the ad lacks crucial context and has sparked questions from many concerned citizens.

During a presidential debate in September, Trump also made a similar claim, emphasizing Harris’s support for transgender operations on illegal aliens in prison, painting her as a radical left liberal.

The Question

So, does Vice President Kamala Harris really support taxpayer-funded gender transition surgeries for all prisoners and migrants? Let’s delve deeper into the sources to uncover the truth behind this contentious claim.

The Answer

As it turns out, the claim that Harris supports taxpayer-funded gender transition surgeries for all prisoners and migrants lacks context. While Harris did express support for transition-related care for transgender prisoners back in 2019 during her presidential campaign, her current stance does not align with this policy.

In fact, the Harris campaign clarified that she is not proposing any new policy regarding this issue or campaigning on such a platform for the 2024 presidential election.

In the context of transition-related care, which is essential for the well-being of transgender individuals, Harris’s past advocacy for gender-affirming care in prisons sheds light on the importance of providing necessary medical services to all individuals, including those in incarceration.

Stay informed by signing up for our VERIFY Fast Facts daily Newsletter! Now, let’s take a closer look at the facts surrounding this contentious issue.

What We Found

Back in 2019, while running for president, Harris supported funding for transition-related care, including surgeries, for transgender prison inmates and migrants in immigration detention facilities. However, her current platform and policy proposals do not include this specific provision.

It’s crucial to note that transition-related care, also known as gender-affirming care, is a vital aspect of healthcare for transgender individuals of all ages. This care includes a range of services, such as mental health support, medical care, and social services, to ensure the well-being of transgender individuals.

Despite the past support for providing necessary medical care to transgender inmates, Harris’s current focus is on advocating for comprehensive anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ Americans, as outlined in the Equality Act.

As the debate rages on, it’s essential to consider the nuanced history and evolving stances of political figures on critical issues like healthcare access for marginalized communities. Let’s continue to seek the truth and promote inclusivity and equality for all individuals.