A federal court in Florida has ruled that transgender minors in the state are prohibited from receiving puberty blockers or other hormone treatments, regardless of parental consent, while the legality of the state’s gender-affirming care ban is under review. This decision follows the court’s removal of a temporary injunction that had previously blocked the enforcement of these restrictions.
The appeals court’s ruling, issued this week, allows the state’s ban to proceed while legal challenges from parents and transgender individuals are ongoing. The court’s 2-1 decision emphasized that the law, enacted by Governor Ron DeSantis in May 2023, appears to have been implemented in good faith due to health concerns, thus justifying its enforcement. The court also mandated that the overall case be expedited.
Under the law, minors currently undergoing gender-affirming treatments can continue their care, but no new treatments can be initiated. Additionally, the law forbids any gender transition surgeries for individuals under 18. This ruling is part of a broader trend where 26 states have introduced similar restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors since 2021. Many of these states impose penalties on healthcare providers who disregard these bans.
Despite the ruling, physicians can still prescribe puberty blockers and hormones to adults, and those minors who were already on such treatments prior to the law’s enactment may continue their use. This decision marks a step in the legal battles surrounding gender-affirming care, reflecting ongoing debates about the balance between state regulations and individual medical rights.
Governor DeSantis has been a vocal advocate for restricting gender-affirming care, framing the legislation as a protective measure for children despite broader societal changes.
