Advocates slam court's transgender health care ruling
Group say rights eroded and lives put at risk
By: Ken Alltucker
USA Today
..... Advocates for transgender youth blasted the Supreme Court's June 18 [2025] decision that upheld Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors.
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The high court using puberty blockers and hormone therapy does not violate the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment. The Tennessee House republican Caucus cheered, calling it a "proud day for the Volunteer state and for all those who believe in protecting the innocence and well-being of American's children.
..... But a slew of LGBTQ+ advocates said the high court's decision dealt a major bow to transgender rights and medical organizations that have endorse gender-affirming care for minors.
..... The decision came about five years after the court ruled that transgender, gay and lesbian people are protected by a landmark civil rights law barring sex discrimination in the workplace.
..... The Tennessee Equality Project said in a statement hat the organization was "profoundly disappointed>" The decision further erodes the rights of transgender children, their families and doctors, the group said.
....."Gender-affirming care is proven to save lives,: the group's statement said. "Major medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics support gender-affirming medical and psychological care because it saves lives and improves mental well-being."
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A study by the Trevor Project, an LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention organization, found that anti-transgender state laws are linked to an increase in suicide attempts among trans youth.
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"It is highest court decide that politicians can make certain medicines illegal for some young people, while allowing them to remain readily accessible for others," said Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black. "That is discrimination - period."
..... Kimberly Inez McGuire, executive director of Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity, said the Supreme Court chose "cruelty over care."
..... "This decision upholds a dangerous and deeply unjust law that strips families of their rights, criminalizes love and support and puts the lives of young people at risk," McGuire said in a statement.
..... Lindsey Dawson, director for LGBTQ health policy at KFF, a health police nonprofit, said 25 states have gender-affirming care bans in effect, that only Arizona and New Hampshire ban gender-reassignment surgery.
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Some transgender youth who live in states restricting care such as puberty blockers or hormone therapy might choose to visit states without such bans.
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President Donald Trump;s administration has targeted various aspects of transgender health care. After taking office, Trump signed an executive order stating the United States would not "fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support" gender-affirming care.
..... In April, [205] the federal agency that oversees Medicare and Medicaid told states not to use Medicaid funding to pay for gender-affirming care for minors. Dr. Mehmet OZ, administrator of the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said the federal agency will stop paying for gender reassignment operations or hormone treatment for those under 18.
..... Contributing: Maureen Groppe, USA Today