Everyone deserves access to health care, including transgender youth
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2025
CONTACT:
K. Richardson, Communications Manager, [email protected]
NATIONAL – Transgender Law Center condemns the Supreme Court’s opinion in United States v L. W. Skrmetti for upholding a discriminatory law that denies transgender youth in Tennessee access to hormone replacement therapy. Today’s 6-3 ruling upholds SB1, allowing Tennessee’s ban on care for transgender youth to stand. However, the decision does not change the ability for transgender adults, and transgender youth in states where hormone replacement therapy is still legal, from accessing medically necessary care.
“Regardless of what the Supreme Court decided today, every person, regardless of race, age and gender deserves access to health care, including transgender youth,” said Shelby Chestnut, Executive Director of Transgender Law Center. “We firmly support all those who have been fighting and working to secure access to care in an increasingly politically motivated world where attacks against transgender people and the bodily autonomy of all people are at an all-time high. Now more than ever, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights and lives of transgender individuals everywhere.”
Legal teams throughout the country will continue to challenge infringements on the rights of all transgender people to live openly in society free from criminalization, violence, and discrimination.
“This ruling is a setback, but it is not the end of the road,” said Heron Greenesmith, Deputy Director of Policy at Transgender Law Center. “We remain steadfast in our belief that access to affirming care and the right to bodily autonomy are constitutional rights. This ruling underscores the urgent need for safe, evidence-based policies that prioritize the health, dignity, and autonomy of all people.”
The fight will continue in courtrooms and communities across the country to ensure all people — including transgender people — have the freedom to shape their own futures. There are response rallies in New York City and Washington, D.C. planned for later today.
“While this isn’t the decision we hoped for, it does not deter us on our fight for collective liberation,” said Mariah Moore, Director of Policy and Programs at Transgender Law Center. “Today’s ruling is a painful reminder of the challenges we continue to face in the fight for trans rights, autonomy, and access to care for all people. We share the deep disappointment felt by so many across the country and remain committed to fighting for those impacted by the harmful restrictions the federal government has allowed to go into effect.”
###