In Iowa Senate race, Hinson ad distorts Turek’s stance on gender-affirming care for minors

Iowa Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ashley Hinson launched a misleading ad after the June 2 primary, falsely suggesting Democratic opponent Josh Turek supports 'sex changes' for minors without parental consent. The ad referenced Turek’s 2023 vote against Senate File 496, a law mandating schools notify parents if students request gender-affirming accommodations, such as using different names or pronouns. The legislation did not address medical gender-affirming care, including surgeries or hormone therapy, which require parental consent under medical guidelines. Hinson’s ad included footage of surgeons operating alongside text claiming Turek backs 'sex changes for kids.' A campaign spokesperson denied the ad referenced surgeries, stating gender and sex were used interchangeably under Iowa law. However, medical experts clarify gender-affirming care for minors includes social transitions, puberty blockers, and rarely, surgeries for older teens—all requiring parental approval. The 2023 law, signed by Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, also restricted school library books with explicit themes and banned instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation. Turek voted against the bill, while the Republican-led Legislature passed it. Iowa is among states enforcing parental notification laws, though LGBTQ+ advocates argue such policies risk harming vulnerable students by outing them to unsupportive families. Hinson’s campaign also pointed to Turek’s opposition to the 2025 health and human services budget bill, which included provisions blocking Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care. The ad’s distortions prompted fact-checkers to highlight the disconnect between Turek’s stance on school accommodations and medical interventions, which he has consistently opposed in legislative votes.