Trans Health Care Under Attack, Fight Continues

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decision in US vs Skrmetti, a lawsuit challenging Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. 

In response, Debra Hauser, President of the national youth activism and reproductive health organization Advocates for Youth, issued the following statement:

“It should be common sense: every young person must have access to health care that allows them to thrive and grow up happy and healthy. Today, the Supreme Court has chosen to endanger the lives of countless young people by ignoring decades of medical research in support of gender-affirming care.

Barriers to health care take the highest toll on young people, and on young people of color in particular. No one should have to leave their community or cross state lines for medical treatment. No young person should be forced into a future they didn’t choose. 

We will never stop fighting for a world where every young person has the ability to make decisions about their body unobstructed by political extremism. Transgender young people deserve joy, peace, and power, and we will work alongside them to make sure they get it.”

At a rally outside the Supreme Court during oral arguments for US. vs Skrmetti, youth activist Jae Douglas (they/them/her), stated:

“No pen, no paper, and certainly no person could erase our existence. […] To the trans youth of America, and to the trans youth of the world: you are stronger than what they say you are. You are limitless.”

Advocates are available for interviews to discuss how young people and adult allies will continue to mobilize for trans rights, joy, and freedom.

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Advocates for Youth is a 501(c)3 organization that champions efforts that help young people make informed decisions about their reproductive and sexual health. Advocates for Youth boldly advocates for a more positive and realistic approach to adolescent sexual health, focusing its work on young people ages 14-24 in the U.S. and around the globe.