The Supreme Court is set to consider a law in Tennessee that restricts transition-related health care for minors, which could have long-lasting effects on access to such care nationwide. The key legal question is whether the law discriminates on the basis of sex by prohibiting certain treatments only for gender dysphoria. The ACLU and Lambda Legal argue that it does, while the Tennessee Attorney General argues that the law is meant to protect minors and does not discriminate. The Biden administration has intervened and filed a complaint against the law, stating it violates the Equal Protection Clause. The decision could impact access to transition care for both minors and adults for years to come.
State restrictions on transition-related care have led many families to have to travel out of their home states for care, creating a confusing patchwork of laws across the country. The outcome of the case could also have implications for protections under the Affordable Care Act, as denying care for transgender individuals could be considered discriminatory. The case has sparked fear and uncertainty among trans youths, their families, and providers of transition-related care, as well as an increase in new patient registrations for clinics providing such care. Despite the potential backlash, providers like Dr. Izzy Lowell remain committed to providing care and support to transgender individuals. Walker, a trans girl in Alabama, expressed concern over how the Supreme Court’s decision could affect her future access to necessary care.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
