All articles tagged with #transgender youth
Nineteen states and D.C. sued HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to block his plan to stop Medicare and Medicaid payments for gender-affirming care for minors, arguing it exceeds his authority and violates laws, while major medical organizations support such care as necessary and lifesaving for transgender youth.
Virginia's upcoming elections have become a comprehensive referendum on various issues including federal workforce challenges, political violence, redistricting, and transgender rights, with candidates focusing on these topics amid a competitive race influenced by national political dynamics.
Kaiser Permanente will pause gender-affirming surgeries for patients under 19 due to political pressure from the federal government, leading to criticism from advocates and state officials who argue the move undermines transgender youth care and violates California law.
Rep. Seth Moulton faces criticism from local Democratic leaders and LGBTQ+ advocates over his comments on transgender youth in sports, sparking potential challengers for his congressional seat. Dan Koh, a former Andover selectman, is considering a campaign against Moulton, while Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo, though not interested this cycle, has raised speculation with a recent fundraiser. The backlash highlights ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party and Moulton's controversial moves, which could make him vulnerable in future elections.
A judge in Columbus, Ohio has issued a temporary restraining order blocking a bill that would have banned gender-affirming care for transgender youth and prohibited trans students from participating in athletics on teams that align with their identity. The bill, House Bill 68, was set to prevent LGBTQ+ minors from accessing care such as hormone blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and some mental health services, as well as prohibit trans athletes from taking part in middle and high school sports. The ACLU of Ohio, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of a transgender child and her family, is celebrating the temporary win, emphasizing the constitutional right of Ohio families to make personal healthcare decisions without government intrusion.
The Supreme Court has allowed Idaho to enforce its ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth while legal challenges proceed, reversing lower court decisions. The law subjects physicians to up to 10 years in prison for providing such care to individuals under 18. The court's order still allows the two transgender teens involved in the lawsuit to access care. The decision has sparked criticism from the ACLU and support from Idaho's Attorney General, with the broader debate reflecting a national trend of legal battles over gender-affirming care for transgender minors.
The Supreme Court allowed Idaho to enforce a ban on gender-affirming care for minors, overturning lower court injunctions, with conservative justices in favor and liberal justices dissenting. The law remains in effect while litigation continues, but the court permitted the plaintiffs to continue treatments during the legal process. Advocates argue that denying gender-affirming care harms transgender youth, while the state attorney general asserts the law protects children from "life-altering drugs and procedures." Transgender youth face mental health challenges, and major medical associations support gender-affirming care as safe, effective, and necessary.
A Texas appeals court has upheld injunctions blocking the state's Department of Family and Protective Services from investigating families of transgender youth seeking gender-affirming medical care, following Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's order to launch investigations into such families. The court order freezes the state's enforcement of a department rule expanding the definition of "child abuse" to include gender-affirming care. The legal battle began after Abbott's directive, which was seen as an attack on transgender children and their families, and has been met with opposition from LGBTQ+ advocates and civil rights groups.
England's NHS has halted the use of puberty blockers for transgender minors due to insufficient evidence of safety and effectiveness, pending a study to be conducted by December. While less than 100 young people in England are currently prescribed puberty blockers and will be able to continue their treatments, clinicians can still apply for the treatment under NHS England's Individual Funding Request process. The decision has sparked debate over the risks and benefits of gender-affirming care, with major medical associations in the U.S. emphasizing its safety and effectiveness, while some states have restricted gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has granted a stay, allowing Indiana's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth to take immediate effect, lifting a lower court's injunction. The law, originally scheduled for July 1, 2023, prohibits medical providers from offering gender-affirming health care to transgender youth. The ACLU and ACLU of Indiana have expressed disappointment and vowed to continue challenging the law on behalf of transgender youth, their families, and healthcare providers.
The Texas Supreme Court is set to hear a legal challenge to a state law banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth, which prohibits doctors from prescribing puberty blockers and hormone therapies. The law, passed by Republican lawmakers, has sparked a legal battle as families argue it violates parental rights and discriminates against transgender children. This case reflects a broader national debate over access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth, with similar legal battles unfolding in other states.
Wisconsin families share their experiences with gender-affirming care for transgender youth, highlighting the importance of comprehensive support and access to medical treatment. Despite the increasing number of legislative attacks on transgender rights, studies have shown that gender-affirming care at each stage of development leads to better mental health outcomes for transgender individuals. The process involves thorough evaluations, discussions with medical professionals, and support from parents. However, proposed legislation in Wisconsin aims to ban gender-affirming care for trans youth, including puberty blockers. Advocates emphasize the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for trans youth.
A Montana district court judge has issued a preliminary injunction blocking the state from enforcing its ban on gender-affirming health care for transgender minors. The judge stated that the ban is unlikely to survive constitutional review and that denying access to gender-affirming care would harm the mental and physical health of transgender minors. This decision adds Montana to the list of Republican-led states where such bans have been halted by court orders. The ban, which was set to take effect on Sunday, prohibits the provision of gender-affirming medical care to minors, including surgical procedures and hormone treatments. Legal advocates celebrated the ruling but acknowledged that the fight is far from over.
Jonathan Van Ness became emotional during a conversation with Dax Shepard on his podcast, discussing transgender youth and the challenges they face. Van Ness defended the importance of gender-affirming care, citing research that shows its positive impact on mental health and suicide prevention. They expressed frustration with the misinformation surrounding trans issues and the lack of support for trans children's inclusion in sports. Van Ness tearfully emphasized the exhaustion of fighting for the rights of trans youth and called for more understanding and compassion. Shepard apologized for the debate and expressed admiration for Van Ness as an activist.
The federal appeals court has denied a request to temporarily block laws in Kentucky and Tennessee that ban hormone therapy and puberty blockers for transgender children seeking gender-affirming care. The court is currently reviewing the constitutionality of these laws, which many major medical associations argue unlawfully discriminate against transgender youth. The ACLU and seven families with transgender children filed a lawsuit challenging the provisions of the law that restrict doctors from providing hormonal treatments and puberty-delaying medication to transgender children under 18. The laws will remain in effect while the appeal is ongoing.