Trump administration challenged in legal action by California and other states for restricting access to gender-affirming healthcare for youth
In a significant development, California has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, marking the state's 37th legal challenge over efforts to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender youth. Attorney General Rob Bonta led the lawsuit, arguing that the administration is infringing on state rights by trying to override California laws that protect access to such medical treatment.
The lawsuit has garnered support from various quarters, with supporters of transgender rights rallying at San Francisco's Civic Center following the announcement. They celebrated the lawsuit and criticized what they see as an overreach by the federal government.
At the heart of the conversation about gender identity is the voice of individuals like Suzanne Ford, who transitioned as an adult. Ford emphasizes the importance of parents and children making decisions about gender-affirming care with their doctor. She states that if transgender youth have one supportive parent and are able to access health care, their outcomes are much better.
Research consistently supports the life-saving and mental health benefits of gender-affirming care (GAC) for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth. Studies show that access to such care—including social affirmation (e.g., name/pronoun changes), puberty blockers, and hormone therapy—is associated with reductions in depression, anxiety, suicidality, and self-harm among transgender youth.
One such study, conducted by Olson et al. (2025), found that socially transitioned prepubescent TGD youth had rates of depression and anxiety comparable to cisgender siblings, significantly lower than previously reported rates among non-transitioned TGD peers. Another study, a 24-month study of 94 adolescents who began puberty blockers, concluded that while mental health measures remained stable without worsening, the authors interpreted this as a protective effect preventing mental health decline that often accompanies puberty without affirmation.
The Dutch model, a pioneering clinical approach introduced decades ago, uses puberty blockers combined with psychological support and parental involvement. It has demonstrated that adolescents with persistent gender dysphoria benefit from paused physical development, enabling identity exploration without distress from unwanted pubertal changes. Comprehensive reviews note that gender-affirming medical care alleviates gender dysphoria and improves general mental well-being, supporting its use as an effective intervention for reducing suicide risk in transgender youth.
However, not all voices support this care for minors. Opponents argue that such treatments are too serious for young people to consent to. Mark Trammell of the Center for American Liberty is one of the attorneys involved in the lawsuit, arguing that the state and federal government should protect minors from making decisions they might regret regarding gender-affirming care.
In response to these concerns, some medical providers have paused gender-affirming surgeries for young people. For instance, Stanford Medicine has paused gender-related surgeries for young people under age 19, and Kaiser has paused such surgeries for patients 19 years old and under.
The exact number of transgender individuals is difficult to determine due to the U.S. Census not historically asking about gender identity. However, it is estimated that less than 1% of adults in the U.S. identify as transgender.
In a unique case, Layla Jane, who testified before California lawmakers after detransitioning, stated that testosterone affected her vocal cords, making them loud and preventing her from screaming. This case highlights the need for careful consideration and individualised care in the provision of gender-affirming care.
As the debate continues, it is clear that the issue of gender-affirming care for transgender youth is complex and multifaceted. Research consistently supports the life-saving and mental health benefits of gender-affirming care, but concerns about consent and potential regret remain. The conversation will undoubtedly continue, and it is hoped that a balanced and compassionate approach will be found.
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[1] Olson, K. R., et al. (2025). Mental Health of Transgender Youth Before and After Social Transition: A Prospective Study. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
[2] De Vries, A. L. C., Steensma, T. D., Doreleijers, T. A., & Cohen-Kettenis, P. T. (2011). Puberty Suppression in Adolescents with Gender Identity Disorder: A Prospective Follow-Up Study. Journal of Sexual Medicine.
[3] Cohen-Kettenis, P. T., De Vries, A. L. C., Steensma, T. D., & Doreleijers, T. A. (2011). Long-Term Follow-Up of Adolescents with Gender Identity Disorder: A Review of the Literature. Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Science: Research consistently supports the life-saving and mental health benefits of gender-affirming care (GAC) for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth. (Reference: Olson et al., 2025)
Health-and-wellness: Studies show that access to gender-affirming care—including social affirmation, puberty blockers, and hormone therapy—is associated with reductions in depression, anxiety, suicidality, and self-harm among transgender youth. (Reference: Olson et al., 2025)
Policy-and-legislation, Politics, General-news: The lawsuit filed by California against the Trump administration over efforts to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender youth has garnered support from various quarters and has sparked a debate on the consent and potential regret associated with such care for minors. (Reference: N/A)
