Network Statement on U.S. v. Skrmetti: California Must Keep Fighting for Trans Youth

This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its deeply disappointing ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti, upholding Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The Court concluded that the law does not discriminate based on sex or transgender status and therefore does not require heightened judicial scrutiny. We know this is wrong, and we are outraged by this outcome. 

“Today’s court decision sets a dangerous precedent: that states can override the consensus of medical experts and strip transgender youth of the care they need to survive and thrive,” stated Network Director, Dannie Ceseña. “A victory for this law is not just a loss for trans youth in Tennessee—it’s a signal to other states that targeting vulnerable communities is acceptable under the guise of legislation.” 

“The court’s ruling flies in the face of medical consensus that gender-affirming care is safe, effective, and saves lives. We’ve seen too many states – like Tennessee – insert themselves into medical decisions that should be made by TGI youth, their families and their doctors,” said Amanda McAllister-Wallner, Executive Director for Health Access California. “California’s leadership is more important now than ever. Our state must continue to champion the rights of TGI people by protecting access to medically necessary care and pushing back against efforts to erode those rights nationwide.” 

Everyone wants what’s best for our children, and families with transgender youth are no different. The parents who brought this case spent years carefully considering how to support their children—only to have the Tennessee government strip away the healthcare their children and doctors determined was essential. 

Health care bans like this threaten individual well-being, community safety, and the fundamental right of every family to make informed decisions about their own lives. When politicians insert themselves into personal medical decisions, they endanger lives and send a chilling message that some children are less worthy of care, protection, and dignity. 

Since 2021, 25 states have enacted bans on gender-affirming health care, such as hormone therapy and puberty-suppressant medications, for treating gender dysphoria in transgender youth, while still allowing these same treatments and medications for cisgender youth. Over 100,000 transgender young people now live in states where they are denied the care they need. 

Medical care for transgender youth is not experimental or fringe—it is endorsed as essential by every major medical, pediatric, and psychological association in the U.S. For transgender adolescents, access to gender-affirming hormone therapy can be life-saving, helping them live authentically and build the futures they deserve. 

We will continue to hold California accountable in leading the way—by protecting access to gender-affirming care, defending TGI youth and their families, and forcefully rejecting the harmful rhetoric and policies that seek to divide and dehumanize our communities.