Federal Judge Blocks Georgia's Ban on Hormone Therapy for Transgender Minors

A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction blocking Georgia from enforcing a new law that bans doctors from starting hormone therapy for transgender individuals under 18. The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by transgender children, parents, and a community organization. The judge cited the potential irreparable harm to plaintiffs, including depression and self-harm, outweighing any harm the state may experience from the injunction. The law allows puberty-blocking medications and hormone therapy for existing patients but prohibits new patients under 18 from starting hormone therapy and most gender-affirming surgeries. At least 22 states have enacted similar laws, with many facing legal challenges.