ACLU-WV issued the following statement regarding the ruling today in United States v. Skrmetti, which will have devastating consequences for young trans people across the country and their families.
"Today, the Supreme Court upheld a state’ ability to restrict gender-affirming care for minors — but only for transgender minors.
Cisgender minors can and do receive gender-affirming treatments. These laws don’t ban the treatments themselves; they ban who can access them.
The law in question — and others like it, including West Virginia’s — aren’t rooted in sound science or genuine concern for children’s well-being.
These laws ignore the voices of young people and families who have pleaded for the freedom to access the care that’s helped them live healthier, happier lives.
This isn’t about health. It’s about animosity. And it’s not subtle.
The same people pushing these laws openly demonize the very existence of trans people.
Here in West Virginia, ACLU-WV is committed to restoring laws that respect people’s dignity and autonomy — laws that let individuals, families, and doctors make these decisions without interference from the state.”