Potential Changes to Transgender Health Care Due to Supreme Court Decision

The Supreme Court will be considering a Tennessee law that restricts transition-related health care for minors, which could have long-lasting implications for access to such care nationwide. The key legal question is whether the law discriminates based on sex by prohibiting certain treatments for gender dysphoria while allowing exceptions for other medical reasons. Legal experts argue that the law does discriminate, and the Biden administration has intervened in the case. A trans girl named Harleigh Walker from Alabama is concerned about the potential impact of the court’s decision on her future access to care, as she has had to travel out of state for treatment due to Alabama’s ban on such care for minors. The court’s decision could affect access to transition-related care for both minors and adults across the country. The legal landscape leading up to the case shows a split in circuit court decisions on similar laws, with some states restricting care for trans minors. Many families have had to navigate around these restrictions to continue care for their children, and some have had to travel long distances. Dr. Izzy Lowell, who runs a telehealth clinic serving trans patients, has seen an increase in minor patients due to these restrictions and fears of potential future federal policies restricting care. Despite the challenges, Lowell is committed to continuing to provide care for as long as possible.

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