Supreme Court Urged to Block Transgender Care Bans in Tennessee and Kentucky

Three transgender youths, their parents, and a doctor in Tennessee have petitioned the Supreme Court to block the state's ban on certain transition-related healthcare for minors. This would be the first time the court considers a restriction on puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgery for minors. The plaintiffs argue that the ban violates the 14th Amendment's equal protection and due process clauses, as it discriminates against transgender youths and infringes on parents' rights. Civil rights groups have requested the Supreme Court's intervention due to conflicting rulings in circuit courts, causing uncertainty and chaos surrounding medical care for trans youths. While access to gender-affirming care is widely supported within the medical community, several states have implemented or attempted to implement restrictions. The Supreme Court's recent decision on abortion rights may impact the outcome of this case.