ACLU attorney Chase Strangio, a transgender man, recently appeared on CNN to discuss the upcoming Supreme Court case concerning Tennessee's ban on puberty blockers and gender-affirming surgeries for minors. Strangio will be arguing the case before the Supreme Court later this week.
During the CNN interview, Strangio addressed concerns about the potential long-term effects of these procedures on minors, asserting that existing research demonstrates their benefits and that some children, even those under 10, experience significant distress that these treatments can alleviate. He emphasized that doctors are choosing to provide these treatments based on their professional judgment and available evidence, not due to external coercion.
Strangio acknowledged that minors cannot legally consent to medical procedures, highlighting that parental consent is the deciding factor in these cases. He argued that parents, motivated by love and concern for their children's well-being, are making these decisions in consultation with medical professionals. He framed Tennessee's ban as an overreach of state power, interfering with parental rights and the doctor-patient relationship.
The case, U.S. v. Skrmetti, marks the first time the Supreme Court will directly address restrictions on puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgery for minors. Strangio expressed concern that a ruling in favor of Tennessee could set a precedent for restricting access to these treatments for adults as well, potentially marginalizing transgender individuals.
Tennessee is among over 20 states that have implemented some form of limitation on gender transition procedures for minors. The Supreme Court's decision in this case is expected to have significant implications for transgender rights and healthcare access nationwide.
