A Missouri court has upheld a new state law that prohibits some gender-affirming health care for minors, marking a significant victory for supporters of the ban. The law, which was defended by Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey, is the first of its kind to be successfully upheld at the trial court level in the nation.
The legislation in question prohibits gender-affirming surgeries for children and teenagers under 18, as well as hormones and puberty blockers for minors who had not started those treatments as of August 2023. While most adults can still access gender-affirming health care under the law, Medicaid coverage for such treatments is not provided.
Opponents of the ban, including major medical organizations like the American Medical Association, argue that gender-affirming care for minors is evidence-based and should be accessible when administered appropriately. Lambda Legal and the ACLU of Missouri, representing plaintiffs challenging the law, have announced plans to appeal the ruling.
Missouri is one of 26 states that have implemented laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. While federal judges have deemed similar bans in Arkansas and Florida unconstitutional, the legal landscape remains complex with ongoing litigation in various states.
The recent ruling by Wright County Circuit Court Judge Craig Carter reflects a contentious debate over the ethics of adolescent gender dysphoria treatment. The judge cited a lack of consensus on the medical ethics of such treatments, leading to his decision to uphold the law.
Advocacy groups have criticized the ruling, expressing concerns about discrimination and limited access to healthcare for transgender adolescents. They argue that denying transgender minors access to evidence-based medical care could have detrimental effects on their well-being.
As the legal battle over gender-affirming health care for minors continues across the country, the Missouri court's decision sets a precedent that could have far-reaching implications for transgender youth and their families.
