For the First Time, Supreme Court Will Decide Whether Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Trans and Nonbinary Youth Violates the Constitution

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will hear a case that challenges a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender and nonbinary youth in Tennessee. This marks the first time the Supreme Court will hear a case about whether a ban on access to gender-affirming care violates the Constitution of the United States.

Tennessee’s ban was enacted early last year. In September, following a lawsuit brought by the ACLU, the ACLU of Tennessee, and Lambda Legal in which the Biden administration joined, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the ban to remain in effect as the lawsuit continued. 

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America: 

“For the first time, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether trans and nonbinary youth and their families have the right to make decisions about their health care — with their medical providers, not public officials. This case comes at a time when attacks on LGBTQ+ youth have skyrocketed, forcing families to leave their home states for health care and criminalizing medical providers for doing their jobs. It’s no surprise that the same lawmakers who attack our access to abortion are also pushing anti-trans laws. As we’ve long known, the fight for reproductive rights and the fight for LGBTQ+ equality are inextricably linked — both issues are rooted in threats to our fundamental freedom to control our own bodies and decide what our families and futures look like. But no public official should have a say in people’s personal medical decisions. 

“Many Planned Parenthood health centers proudly provide gender-affirming care and Planned Parenthood Federation of America offers sex education that covers the full spectrum of gender identities and expressions. We look forward to the court hearing the strong case for why this ban on youth in Tennessee accessing essential health care is unconstitutional and should be blocked."

###

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With nearly 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.