Supreme Court Hears Case on Tennessee's Ban of Puberty Blockers for Minors
The case highlights disagreements over medical evidence and constitutional protections as the U.S. grapples with youth gender care policies.
- The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a Tennessee law that prohibits puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries for minors with gender dysphoria.
- The Biden administration and the ACLU argue the law violates equal protection rights, while the state defends it as necessary for child safety.
- Critics of these treatments point to weak scientific evidence and concerns raised by European countries that have restricted their use for minors after reassessing risks and benefits.
- A Washington Post editorial emphasized the lack of large, rigorous studies on the effectiveness and safety of puberty blockers and called for better research to guide policy decisions.
- The Court's decision, expected in mid-2025, could set a significant precedent for state-level restrictions on gender-affirming care across the U.S.