Transgender Care Bans Spark Chaos for Families and Doctors

Bans or restrictions on transition-related medical care for transgender youths in 20 states are causing upheaval for families and medical providers. Doctors are shutting down practices, leaving patients in the lurch, while clinics in states where the care is still permitted are overwhelmed with out-of-state patients. The bans, which have been passed in several states, are leaving families with transgender children searching for medical care across state lines or considering moving to states where the care is still permitted. The debate over transgender rights and healthcare is becoming increasingly politicized, with Republican-led legislatures passing bills banning access to gender transition care for minors, while major medical associations argue that these decisions should be left to doctors, patients, and their families.