Federal Judge in Oklahoma Upholds Ban on Medical Care for Transgender Youth

A federal judge in Oklahoma has declined to halt a new law that criminalizes health care workers providing gender-affirming care to young transgender individuals. The law, passed by Oklahoma's Republican-controlled Legislature, bans medical treatments like puberty-blocking drugs or hormones for those under 18. The judge ruled that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated a fundamental right for parents to choose such medical care for their children. The decision has been criticized by advocacy groups, who vow to appeal. Similar lawsuits are ongoing in other states that have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors.