By Brooke Sopelsa and Associated Press

South Dakota Republicans introduced a bill this week that would make it a felony for medical professionals to provide transgender health care to minors — including the prescription of puberty blockers.

State Rep. Fred Deutsch, who represents a northeast swath of the state, introduced the bill in the Republican-dominated legislature on Tuesday, the first day of the legislative session, with more than 40 co-sponsors. He said the proposal, House Bill 1057, is a way to hit the “pause button” on an “overwhelming and life-changing” decision.

“Children need to wait until they’re mature to do it,” he said. The “it,” according to the bill, includes gender-related surgeries, such as a vasectomy or vaginoplasty, as well as nonsurgical practices, like the prescription of puberty blockers or hormones.

Physicians, nurses and medical assistants are among the health care professionals who could face a Class 4 felony for providing gender-transition treatment to a minor. A Class 4 felony in South Dakota carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.

Democratic legislative leaders said they would oppose the bill. Democrats, however, make up just 16 percent of the state House and 14 percent of the Senate. Read more via NBC