Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments For First Time On Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy For Trans and Nonbinary Youth

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today, for the first time, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case challenging a ban on gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender and nonbinary youth as violating the Constitution of the United States. The case, U.S. v. Skrmetti, was brought by the ACLU, the ACLU of TN, and Lambda Legal - with the Biden administration later joining - after Tennessee first enacted the ban. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the ban to remain in effect as the lawsuit continued.

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

"Everyone should be able to make decisions about their health care without interference from lawmakers. Yet those hostile to our rights and our health care think they know better - on abortion, on gender-affirming care, and on our bodies.

"Planned Parenthood believes that everyone should feel safe, supported, and affirmed in their health care decisions. We know gender-affirming care is often lifesaving health care. That's why many Planned Parenthood affiliates proudly offer gender-affirming hormone therapy and sex education that recognizes the full spectrum of gender identities and expressions.

"It's simple: the Supreme Court should block this effort to make it harder to access essential health care."

Statement from Ashley Coffield, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi:

"Tennessee is pursuing a dangerous path in this case by seeking state power to determine what care patients can and cannot receive. Health care decisions should be made by patients, their providers, and trusted advisors, like parents. It's immaterial how you feel about sex and gender: this intrusion into private life won't stop. This should be a moment of solidarity for anyone who cares about receiving health care with some expectation of bodily autonomy."

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Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation's largest provider of sex education. With nearly 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.