Recently, Texas has taken legal action against a Dallas doctor for allegedly providing gender-affirming care to minors, in violation of a state ban. This move by the state marks one of the initial attempts to enforce bans on such care, predominantly driven by Republicans.
The lawsuit, filed by the Texas Attorney General, accuses the physician of administering hormones to more than 20 minors, contravening a Texas law that came into effect last year. This enforcement action is a first for Texas, as confirmed by a staff attorney from the ACLU’s LGBTQ & HIV Project.
The law in question in Texas prohibits individuals under 18 from accessing hormone therapies, puberty blockers, and transition surgeries, with rare exceptions for surgical procedures on children.
The legal challenge against the doctor alleges falsification of medical records, prescriptions, and billing records to disguise the true nature of the treatments provided. The state is seeking an injunction against the doctor and potential fines of up to $10,000 per violation.
While the doctor and the medical center where she practices have not yet responded to requests for comment, a statement from a local hospital indicated compliance with state healthcare laws.
Notably, numerous states have implemented laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, leading to legal battles in many jurisdictions. Federal courts have already deemed bans in Arkansas and Florida unconstitutional, with ongoing legal proceedings in other states.
This lawsuit emerges amidst a political climate where support for gender-affirming healthcare has become a contentious issue. The Texas ban, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, has drawn attention for its stringent measures, including investigations into families of transgender minors receiving such care.
As the legal landscape continues to evolve, the case against the Dallas doctor underscores the complex intersection of medical practice, legal regulations, and individual rights in the realm of gender-affirming care for minors.
