Idaho (NCC News/AP) – Late on Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court made a decision that allowed Idaho to enforce its ban on gender-affirming healthcare for minors, according to AP News.
The Supreme Court’s decision allows the state to put into action a 2023 law that subjects physicians to up to 10 years in prison if they provide hormones, puberty blockers, or other gender-affirming care to people under the age of 18.
This ruling on Monday was the first time the Supreme Court ruled on an issue like this. The opinion was 6-3, and did not address whether the ban was constitutional or not, but rather whether it is appropriate to put enforcement of a law on hold, according to AP News.
At least 24 states so far have adopted bans on gender-affirming care for minors in recent years, and most are facing legal challenged. 20 of these states besides Idaho are currently enforcing these bans.
Pat Southwick, the legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho commented on this issue, letting families know their options.
“Gender-affirming medical care is now immediately illegal for minors in the state of Idaho,” Southwick said. “However, care remains legal for adults, and it’s also legal for minors to seek gender-affirming medical care out of state.”
