The Texas Supreme Court upheld the state’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youths on Friday, rejecting pleas from parents that it violates their right to seek medical care for their children.
This treatment includes puberty blockers, hormones and other medicines that help transgender children feel more comfortable in their bodies.
The Texas law took effect on September 1, 2023, after Republican Governor Greg Abbott signed it in June 2023.
The law prohibits doctors from performing gender transition procedures or treating gender dysphoria in individuals under 18 years old.
Texas is the largest of at least 25 states that have adopted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors.
Opponents of the law, including parents, doctors, and advocacy groups, took legal action to stop it from being enforced. A judge agreed with them, issuing an injunction and ruling that the law likely went against the Texas Constitution.
On Friday, the Texas Supreme Court overturned the earlier decision, declaring the law constitutional and allowing it to stand.
In the majority opinion, Justice Rebeca Huddle stated that although parents have a significant right to make decisions about their children’s healthcare without government intrusion, this right is not absolute.
Source: Reuters, Other Media
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