06.18.2025 / Statement

SCOTUS Decision on Gender-Affirming Care Denies Treatment for Trans Youth and Their Families and Sets Dangerous Precedent for Future Attacks on Americans’ Health

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Anthony Wright, executive director of Families USA, issued the following statement in response to today’s Supreme Court decision in the U.S. v. Skrmetti case, which upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming health care for trans youth.

“This decision is not just a loss for trans youth and their families seeking health care, but another blow for all patients and their families across the country to get the best medical treatment they need without political interference. Virtually all medical associations and authorities in the United States have developed guidelines detailing the gender-affirming care that is medically necessary for trans youth. Tennessee legislators, and now the Supreme Court, want to trump medical professionals and take away those decisions from youth, their families, and their doctors.”

“This decision gives politicians and judges a green light to dictate what care we can and can’t receive, regardless of what we and our doctors know we need. Beyond just impacting trans youth, the Supreme Court has now imperiled everyone’s access to lifesaving, evidence-based health care. This unjust decision violates the Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection for all individuals and threatens their access to health care.

“Health and consumer advocates stand in solidarity and support with trans and LGBTQ communities, with women and their reproductive health, and with communities across the country to ensure that all Americans have access to health care. Young patients should be able to make decisions about their health care with their parents and providers without politicians getting in the way.”