The Supreme Court is set to consider a Tennessee law that restricts transition-related health care for minors, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgery, for the first time. Legal experts believe that the court’s decision could have far-reaching implications for access to transition-related care nationwide. The key legal question is whether the law discriminates on the basis of sex. The American Civil Liberties Union and Lambda Legal argue that it does, as it only prohibits such care as treatment for gender dysphoria.
Since Alabama and other states have passed similar laws, trans youths, their families, and providers of transition-related care have had to navigate a confusing patchwork of laws, often requiring them to travel out of state for care. The potential impact of the Supreme Court’s decision on access to transition care for both minors and adults is significant, as it could also affect coverage under the Affordable Care Act for transgender health care.
Despite increasing backlash against transgender health care, providers like Dr. Izzy Lowell remain committed to providing transition-related care to the fullest extent possible. Lowell’s clinic has seen a surge in new patient registrations following the election of President Donald Trump and his promises to restrict trans health care nationwide. Regardless of the Supreme Court’s ruling, providers like Lowell are determined to continue providing essential care to transgender individuals for as long as they can.
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