Twenty-seven states have legislated limitations on gender-affirming treatments for minor transgender individuals.
A heated, fast-moving debate surrounds gender-affirming care for transgender youth across the United States. Here's the lowdown in early 2025:
27 states have imposed restrictions on this life-changing treatment for trans children and teens, according to stats from the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), a nonprofit advocating for LGBTQ rights. Nearly 40% of trans youth aged 13-17 reside in these states, as per MAP and The Williams Institute.
These state-level bans vary in severity, ranging from outright prohibitions to limiting the use of public funds for gender-affirming care. For instance, some states deem it a felony crime to supply gender-affirming treatments, while others reserve such sanctions for surgical procedures.
A major U.S. Supreme Court case, US v. Skrmetti, is slated for oral arguments in December 2024, which could set significant precedents for transgender youth living in states that have similar bans. This case revolves around Tennessee's ban on transgender care for minors.
In 2024, several more states joined the ban wave, including Ohio, Wyoming, South Carolina, and New Hampshire, while Maine and Rhode Island passed laws to protect this care. However, not all imposed restrictions are currently enforced, as courts have temporarily blocked the bans in Arkansas and Montana, with litigation ongoing. Even in Arizona, where such a 2022 law exists, Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs signed an executive order in 2023 to guarantee access to gender-affirming healthcare.
Despite widespread opposition from leading medical bodies, the political climate in 2023 saw 19 states passing laws restricting gender-affirming care for minors. On the other hand, 11 states and the District of Columbia enacted "shield" laws to protect access to this vital care. These legislativeatts reflect a significant escalation in anti-LGBTQ bills introduced in 2025, with 122 targeting gender-affirming care specifically.
Major medical associations remain steadfast in their support for gender-affirming care, acknowledging its critical role in reducing mental health issues like depression and suicidality among trans youth. Regrettably, political efforts to restrict this essential care persist amid this rapidly evolving landscape.
- In the political landscape of 2023, eighteen states enacted laws restricting gender-affirming care for minors, according to reports.
- A multidisciplinary field of scientists and health professionals emphasize the importance of gender-affirming care for the mental health and well-being of transgender youth.
- Amidst this heated debate, a significant number of transgender youth in states with restrictions, such as Tennessee, Ohio, Wyoming, South Carolina, and New Hampshire, are affected.
- Controversies surrounding bans on gender-affirming care for minors, including Tennessee's case, US v. Skrmetti, will reach the Supreme Court for oral arguments in December 2024.
- While some restrictions are yet to be enforced due to court challenges, general news outlets report that 122 anti-LGBTQ bills targeting gender-affirming care were introduced in 2025.
- Ongoing litigation and the escalation in such bills highlight a critical need for policy and legislation that prioritizes the health and well-being of transgender youth, including access to gender-affirming care.
