Transgender Issues

The Texas Supreme Court said Thursday the law will take effect despite a lower court’s finding that the act is unconstitutional.

With the hearing concluded, attention now turns to Judge Maria Cantú Hexsel who must first decide on a matter of jurisdiction before ruling on the case.

On Tuesday, Travis County District Court Judge Maria Cantú Hexsel held the first hearing on the Senate Bill 14 lawsuit. She heard from the plaintiffs, medical experts and attorneys who asked the court to block the law’s implementation.

The lawsuit alleges that Senate Bill 14, which bans certain medical procedures for transgender children, violates several provisions of the Texas Constitution.

The Texas Legislature passed a measure this year that prohibits the use of puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery for transgender people under 18.

Dr. Ximena Lopez, a pediatric endocrinologist in Dallas, has been at the forefront of gender-affirming medical care for trans youth in Texas for the past 10 years. Now, as the state prepares to ban this care for minors, Lopez announced she’s closing her practice and moving to California.

After the hospital announced the departure of doctors in its adolescent medicine clinic, patients and their families are looking for new care providers — in Texas and beyond.

If Senate Bill 14 becomes law, the ban would take effect on Sept. 1. This would also make Texas one of over a dozen states that restrict transition-related care for transgender minors.

Bills like SB 14 would ban care for minors in the state and penalize doctors offering this care. Texans share how it’s felt to live in the state during this moment of uncertainty.

If Senate Bill 14 becomes law, Texas would prohibit the administration of puberty blockers and hormone therapy to transgender youth under 18. On Monday, the bill received final approval from the House, with several Democrats voting with their Republican colleagues.