Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Minors

A federal judge has ruled that Arkansas' ban on gender-affirming care for children is unconstitutional, permanently striking down the law that would have prohibited doctors from providing gender-affirming hormone treatment, puberty blockers or surgery to anyone under 18. The judge ruled that the prohibition violated the due process and equal protection rights of transgender youth and families, and also violated the First Amendment rights of medical providers by prohibiting them from referring patients elsewhere. At least 19 other states have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming care for minors following Arkansas' law.