Supreme Court Weighs Tennessee Ban on Transgender Youth Medical Treatments

Oral arguments reveal conservative justices leaning toward upholding state authority on gender-affirming care bans for minors.

The Supreme Court heard arguments in United States v. Skrmetti, a case challenging Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming medical treatments for minors.
Conservative justices signaled skepticism toward overturning the law, emphasizing state authority over medical regulations and citing evolving medical debates in Europe.
Liberal justices raised concerns about the potential harm to transgender youth, including increased suicide risks, and compared the case to past equal protection rulings like Loving v. Virginia.
Tennessee argues the law is purpose-based, not sex-based, aiming to protect minors from unproven and potentially harmful medical interventions.
A ruling, expected by June 2025, could have nationwide implications, as 25 other states have enacted similar laws regulating transgender healthcare for minors.