A Life Lost to Gender Ideology: New Bill Shields Parents from State Overreach

The story of Yaeli Martinez is a tragedy that federal lawmakers say should never be repeated.

At 15, Martinez became entangled in gender ideology. When her Christian mother refused to affirm her so-called “transgender” identity, Los Angeles Child Protective Services removed the teenager from her home and placed her in foster care. The mother was allowed just one hour of visitation per week and instructed not to discuss the gospel. Meanwhile, the state administered sex-rejecting hormones to the girl, who descended into severe anxiety and depression. At 19, she stepped in front of a moving train and died.

Now, Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) has introduced the Yaeli Martinez Child Protection Act to ensure no parent is punished simply for affirming their child’s biological sex.

“This is urgently needed federal action to ensure that child welfare funds are not used to punish parents across the country,” Miller said on “Washington Watch with Tony Perkins.”

The bill would bar federally funded state child-welfare agencies from classifying a parent’s affirmation of biological sex as abuse, prevent the removal of children from fit parents on those grounds, and prohibit foster and adoptive agencies from denying placements based on a parent’s refusal to use false pronouns.

Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), who introduced the companion bill in the Senate, called the situation “sickening.” He said, “Parents are being punished, and sometimes even separated from their children, for protecting their kids from this permanent damage. Parents know what’s best for their own families.”

Penny Nance, CEO of Concerned Women for America, agreed, stating that refusing to affirm gender dysphoria is not abuse—it is acting in the child’s best interest.

Miller did not mince words about the political opposition. She noted that 198 House Democrats voted against requiring parental consent before schools socially transition children, and 201 voted against barring federal Medicaid from covering gender transition surgeries for minors.

“They’re evil. They’re liars,” Miller said. “They have led an aggressive campaign targeting our children.”

The Yaeli Martinez Child Protection Act now heads to committee, where Miller is urging Americans to call their representatives and demand its passage.

Thank you for your support.

If you appreciate the work we do to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, please consider giving a gift to help us continue this work. Maranatha!