Do Not approve this amendment!

• Parents are closest to their children's challenges; they are in the best position to make healthcare decisions involving the wellbeing of those children.
   
• Under Virginia law, parents have the fundamental right to make decisions regarding the upbringing, education and care of their children. 
   
• Some young people may experience confusion about attractions  that they wish to change or moderate. Others may simply desire guidance from a counselor to live a chaste life. In either instance, families/parents must have  the primary options to make informed decisions for their children and their families. 
   
• The proposed ban would deny families the freedom to seek counseling aligned with their faith.
   
• Licensed professionals with years of education and experience should not be removed from the process of helping children work through sensitive and deeply personal issues.