Texas State Rep. Brian Harrison has called for the immediate defunding of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), citing concerns over its endorsement of a gender clinic’s adoption of gender-inclusive biology and its use of alternative terminology like “gestational parent” instead of “mother.” Harrison’s reaction highlights the growing debate over language and educational approaches in the realm of gender and biology.
“Biden’s HHS, who can’t define ‘woman’ and promotes men ‘chestfeeding’ babies dangerous chemical cocktails, escalates their war on mothers,” Harrison tweeted. “@HouseGOP, as former HHS CoS, please defund HHS/OASH immediately so my constituents don’t have to fund this insanity.”
Harrison responded to a recent news story involving Rachel Levine, assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), who praised an Alaska gender clinic called Identity Alaska for its promotion of gender-inclusive biology and the use of terms like “gestational parent,” “birth parent,” “egg producer” or “carrier” instead of “mother” in k-12 science classes, Fox News reported. Levine’s visit to the clinic on Aug. 6 was met with criticism from Harrison, who expressed concerns about the clinic’s approach to gender and biology education.
Harrison, a former HHS CoS, criticized Levine’s endorsement of the gender clinic’s practices, including the elimination of the term “mother” and the adoption of alternative language for biological processes, such as conception and reproduction. He called for the immediate defunding of HHS/OASH, asserting that his constituents should not have to finance what he perceives as a departure from traditional understandings of gender and biology. The tweet, directed at House GOP, sought support in defunding the department to prevent constituents from contributing to what Harrison views as an unconventional approach to education and healthcare.
Levine’s visit to Identity Alaska highlighted the clinic’s advocacy for gender-inclusive biology education, including child-friendly definitions of gender-related terms for science teachers. The curriculum promoted an understanding of sex as “assigned” rather than strictly biologically determined and encouraged the use of terms like “testosterone or estrogen” instead of “male hormones” and “female hormones.” The curriculum also aimed to challenge oppressive language and practices in science while emphasizing social justice and anti-oppression perspectives.
Harrison’s reaction underscores the ongoing debate surrounding gender and biology education, with differing viewpoints on the language and concepts used in teaching these subjects. The clash of perspectives between Levine’s endorsement of gender-inclusive biology and Harrison’s call for defunding reflects broader discussions about the role of government, education and healthcare in shaping societal understandings of gender and biological concepts.
In July 2021, now President Joe Biden announced the nomination of Levine, Pennsylvania’s top health official and a pediatrician, as his assistant secretary of health, the Washington Post reported. Levine was the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Biden had expressed confidence in Levine’s steady leadership and expertise, stating that she was a historic and highly qualified choice to address the pandemic and other public health challenges facing the country.
