In Austin, the Texas Supreme Court has upheld the state’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, dismissing arguments from parents that it infringes on their rights to seek medical care for their transgender children.

In a decisive 8-1 ruling issued Friday, the all-Republican court upheld a law effective since September 1, 2023, making Texas the largest of over 25 states to enact laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. Many of these states are facing legal challenges, with the U.S. Supreme Court recently agreeing to hear an appeal concerning similar bans in Tennessee.

The Texas law prohibits transgender minors from accessing hormone therapies, puberty blockers, and transition surgeries, despite medical experts’ consensus that such surgeries are rarely performed on children. Children already undergoing banned treatments must cease them in a medically appropriate manner.

“The Legislature made a permissible, rational policy choice to limit available medical procedures for children, given the nascent understanding of gender dysphoria and its treatments,” the ruling stated, defending the legislative authority to regulate medical practice.

Lambda Legal, a civil rights organization for LGBTQ+ individuals, criticized the decision, asserting that it undermines parental and medical decision-making in favor of political interference.

The lawsuit against the Texas law argued it severely harms transgender teens by denying them crucial medical care recommended by physicians and parents. While a lower court had deemed the law unconstitutional, it remained in effect pending the state Supreme Court’s decision.

This legislative trend reflects broader challenges to transgender rights, extending from healthcare to participation in sports and access to public facilities. As restrictions increase, families often face the burden of seeking necessary care out of state due to local shortages.

The Texas law, signed by Republican Governor Greg Abbott, has sparked significant controversy and activism, including protests during legislative sessions by transgender rights advocates.

Medical organizations such as the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics support gender-affirming care for youths, emphasizing its role in alleviating gender dysphoria and promoting mental well-being. Despite opposition citing concerns about irreversible decisions, medical experts emphasize the benefits supported by research and clinical experience.