Missouri judge supports ban on transgender surgeries for minors.
A Landmark Ruling: Missouri Bans Transgender Surgeries for Minors
In a groundbreaking decision, a judge in Missouri has recently ruled to allow a ban on transgender surgeries and other treatments for minors. This ruling has significant implications for transgender-identifying youth across America, as it restricts their access to vital medical care.
The ruling, issued by St. Louis Circuit Judge Steven Ohmer, specifically prohibits health care providers from performing transgender surgeries on minors, effective immediately. This means that transgender youth seeking these procedures will now face significant barriers in receiving the care they need.
While minors who had already begun taking puberty blockers or hormones prior to August 28th will be allowed to continue their treatments, any other children looking to start these therapies will be denied access.
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Furthermore, this ban extends beyond minors. Some adults will also lose access to care that supports their gender identity due to changes in Medicaid funding. Additionally, transgender inmates will not be provided with these procedures.
Physicians who violate this ban risk having their licenses revoked and facing prosecution by their patients. Former patients have up to 15 years to file a lawsuit, and if successful, they may receive compensation of at least $500,000.
It is important to note that this law is set to expire in August 2027. However, Judge Ohmer emphasized in his ruling that the plaintiffs’ arguments were ”unpersuasive and not likely to succeed.” He stated that the science and medical evidence surrounding transgender treatments are conflicting and unclear, raising more questions than answers.
Proponents of the law argue that gender-affirming medical treatments are unsafe and untested. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s office celebrated their victory in blocking the law, stating that they successfully defended the ban on the “mutilation” of children.
Missouri is not alone in enacting legislation to restrict transgender surgeries and treatments for minors. Over 20 states have implemented similar laws, although some are still awaiting enforcement or have been temporarily halted by the courts. These laws often limit access to hormone therapies, puberty blockers, and transition surgeries for transgender minors.
However, it is worth noting that not all states are following the same path. In Texas, state District Judge Maria Cantu Hexsel issued a contrasting ruling on the same day, siding with families who argued that the ban would violate parental rights and harm transgender children who require recommended treatments. Judge Cantu Hexsel emphasized the importance of physicians’ ability to follow evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and their duty to prioritize their patients’ well-being.
The state of Texas has filed an appeal with the Texas Supreme Court, temporarily suspending the lower court’s decision. The legal battle continues, and the outcome will have significant implications for transgender individuals in Texas.
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