Court reverses injunction on Alabama transgender health care ban

A federal appeals court on Monday reversed an injunction against an Alabama law banning gender-affirming care for people under the age of 19, allowing the ban to be enforced in the state.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday overturned a district court judge’s preliminary injunction against the law, which prohibits the use of puberty-blocking drugs and hormones in the treatment of transgender children. A judge had set a trial date for April 2 to decide whether to permanently block the law.

The injunction will continue until the court issues a formal order, which could take several days, but once the injunction is formally lifted, the ban on gender-affirming care could come into force. . It would be the second victory in an appeal against gender-positive care restrictions being adopted in a growing number of conservative states.

In revoking the injunction, the judges said states “have a compelling interest in protecting children from drugs, particularly drugs for which there is uncertainty regarding their benefits, recent surges in usage, and irreversible effects.” wrote.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said the ruling represents a “grave victory for our country, our children, and common sense,” adding, “The 11th Circuit recognizes that the state is committed to protecting the physical and mental health of minors.” I have confirmed that I have the authority to protect the

Many medical groups object to the idea that a ban on gender-affirming care protects children’s health. Both the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics oppose banning such treatments, arguing that they are safe when properly implemented.

Opponents of the ban publicly condemned the ruling on Monday.

In a joint statement, groups representing families in Alabama challenging the state law said their clients were “devastated by this decision” and said the ban “is a shocking example of government overreach that will endanger families.” It’s a nasty intrusion into personal decisions.” ”

“Our client is devastated by this decision and after hearing several days of testimony from parents, doctors and specialists, the district court ruled that the irreparable harm resulting from the loss of the medical care they had received. “and it has enabled them to thrive,” says the National Lesbian Rights Center, GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Advocates, Southern Poverty Law Center, and the Human Rights Campaign. A statement issued by said:

“Although this is a setback, we believe it is only temporary. The bottom line is that these treatments are safe, effective, and life-saving for some young people, and there is no good reason to ban them. We believe the courts will protect these vulnerable young people and prevent harmful laws that have no purpose other than to prevent parents from getting needed medical care for their children,” the statement continued. .

“Parents, not governments, are best positioned to make medical decisions for their children. This lawsuit is not yet closed and we will continue to vigorously pursue legal protections for these families,” the statement concluded.

The ruling follows a string of similar rulings on bans in other states in recent weeks, including revoking similar laws in Arkansas, where a federal judge first enacted the ban in June. belongs to. At least 20 states now have similar laws restricting such care for minors.

In 2022, the Compassion and Protection of Vulnerable Children Act was signed into law, making administering puberty inhibitors and hormones to people under the age of 19 a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Ta.

– Associated Press Contributes to Reporting