The Texas Supreme Court has upheld a law that prohibits doctors from administering medical treatment to minors who identify with a gender different from their assigned one at birth.
This treatment encompasses puberty blockers, hormones, and other medications aimed at aiding transgender minors in feeling more at ease with their bodies, as reported by Reuters on Friday.
Enacted on September 1, 2023, the Texas law, signed by Republican Governor Greg Abbott in June 2023, bars doctors from conducting gender transition procedures or addressing gender dysphoria in individuals under 18 years old.
Opponents of the law, including parents, medical professionals, and advocacy groups, initiated legal actions to halt its enforcement. Despite a judge granting an injunction and ruling that the law likely contradicted the Texas Constitution, the Texas Supreme Court overturned this decision on Friday, deeming the law constitutional and permitting its implementation.
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In the prevailing opinion, Justice Rebeca Huddle emphasized that while parents possess a significant role in making healthcare decisions for their children free from government interference, this authority is not absolute. She underscored the legislature’s power to regulate medical practices, especially in scenarios where parental choices may clash with the state’s interests.
Justice Huddle highlighted that the legislature’s decision to restrict certain medical procedures for minors, considering the evolving nature of gender dysphoria and its treatments, was a valid and rational policy choice.
Consequently, doctors in Texas are now prohibited from providing medical care to transgender minors. The US Supreme Court has also agreed to review a comparable law in Tennessee, which prohibits gender-affirming care for minors.
This development reflects a broader trend in Republican-led states focusing on legislation concerning transgender rights, making it a pivotal and closely monitored case.
