Summary
A judge in North Dakota has upheld a law banning gender-affirming medical care for minors. This decision affects families who now need to seek this medical care out of state. The ruling follows debates about the ability of minors to understand long-term consequences of such treatments.
Key Facts
- A North Dakota judge upheld the state's ban on gender-affirming care for minors.
- The judge stated the law discriminates based on age and medical purpose, not sex.
- The ruling means families must travel out of state for gender-affirming medical treatments.
- The law makes it illegal to provide hormone treatments and puberty blockers to transgender minors.
- Performing gender-affirming surgery on minors is considered a felony under the law.
- The lawsuit was filed by affected families and a pediatric endocrinologist.
- The judge ruled that children already receiving treatments before the ban could continue their care.
- At least 27 states have laws restricting or banning gender-affirming care for minors.
