A federal appeals court is set to hear arguments on Thursday regarding Arkansas' ban on gender-affirming care for minors, a law that has sparked a nationwide debate on transgender rights. The 2021 law, which would prohibit doctors from providing gender-affirming hormone treatment, puberty blockers, or surgery to anyone under 18, is being challenged as unconstitutional.
The case is going before the full 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, following a request by the state's Attorney General. This move could potentially expedite the case's journey to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is also considering similar laws in other states like Kentucky and Tennessee.
