WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee held a legislative markup for the Chloe Cole Act, which would prohibit the chemical and surgical mutilation of children. Sponsored by U.S. Representative Bob Onder (R-MO) and backed by 43 House cosponsors, this legislation would represent a critical step toward protecting children from irreversible medical interventions. It would also ensure accountability for those already harmed, extending the statute of limitations for detransitioners to 25 years from their eighteenth birthday or 4 years from the time a detransition treatment is charged.

As this legislation advances through Congress, Independent Women announced today that detransitioner Chloe Cole, whose story inspired this legislation, has joined the organization’s ambassador program, adding a powerful voice to the organizations’ work fighting for children and detransitioners everywhere. 

Chloe Cole, Independent Women ambassador and detransitioner, calling for this legislation, said: “I’m honored to join Independent Women’s ambassador program and continue working alongside an organization that has been at the forefront of protecting children from irreversible medical harm. Independent Women has played a critical role in advancing legislation, elevating detransitioners’ voices, and bringing much-needed attention to the growing movement to protect minors from gender ideology. It means more than I can put into words to see the Chloe Cole Act introduced to potentially be made into U.S. law. While I never wanted my story to become the reason this bill exists, I hope it helps ensure that fewer children experience the lifelong consequences that I have. ”

U.S. Representative Onder (R-MO) said: “It is unacceptable that politics and ideology have been allowed to override sound medical judgment, leaving vulnerable children to undergo irreversible procedures without a comprehensive psychological evaluation, treatment of underlying mental health conditions, or truly informed parental consent. Children deserve medical care grounded in scientific evidence, not experimental interventions driven by biased agendas. The Chloe Cole Act would allow families to hold clinics and hospitals accountable and ensure victims have adequate time to seek justice. This legislation is urgently needed, and I am proud that the House Judiciary Committee has advanced this critical bill so we can continue fighting to protect children and hold those who harmed them accountable.” 

Beth Parlato, senior legal counsel for Independent Women’s Law Center, said: “The Chloe Cole Act affirms a fundamental legal principle: children deserve heightened protection from irreversible harm. The law must provide accountability for children to safeguard them from Irreversible medical interventions that carry lifelong consequences. This legislation protects vulnerable minors while ensuring that those injured by these interventions have access to justice. This should be a non-partisan issue that Congress swiftly passes.”

[Left] IW Features’ Chloe Cole “Identity Crisis” documentary

[Right] IW Features’ Luke Healy “Identity Crisis” documentary, featuring a special appearance by Chloe Cole.

“Long before this issue reached the national stage, Chloe had the courage to tell the truth about what happened to her and Independent Women’s Features was proud to help share her story with millions of Americans,” said Victoria Coley, Independent Women’s senior vice president for communications. “Chloe’s courage helped awaken America to the greatest medical scandal of our time, but her impact won’t stop there. Together we will inspire a new generation of Americans to speak the truth and confront the war targeting America’s youth.”

Independent Women’s Features (IW Features), the grassroots storytelling and original journalism division of Independent Women, first told Chloe Cole’s story in 2023, giving her story a national platform through its “Identity Crisis” series.

Chloe began puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones at age 13. At 15, she underwent a double mastectomy before her breasts had fully developed. As one of the most well-known detransitioners in America, her firsthand experience and advocacy will bolster the impact of Independent Women’s Ambassador Program in advancing policies that protect minors and combat radical gender ideology.

See more detransitioner stories from Independent Women ambassadors, as told by Independent Women’s Features:



TELL HER STORY, CHANGE THE WORLD

Independent Women’s ambassador program fills a long-standing gap in the conservative movement: a trusted, professional pathway for everyday Americans with extraordinary stories to be trained, supported, and strategically positioned where their voices matter most. 

By elevating first-person narratives and detailing the real, powerful human cost of bad policy—as well as the tangible benefits of sound policy—Independent Women ambassadors bring clarity to complex debates. Through national media, legislative testimony, public events, and grassroots engagement, they help reshape public understanding and influence policy decisions at every level of government.

With the backing of Independent Women’s policy, communications, legal, and grassroots teams, ambassadors are prepared to engage confidently with lawmakers, reporters, and communities, extending their reach beyond what would be possible alone.

In addition to Cole, the 2026 Independent Women ambassador class also includes: Allie Coghan, Amie Ichikawa, Claire Abernathy, Linnea Saltz, Luke Healy, Kaillie Humphries, Madisan DeBos, Payton McNabb, Prisha Mosley, and Soren Aldaco.

Direct media inquiries and booking requests to [email protected] 

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