A three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Alabama can continue its ban on transgender surgeries for children.
The decision allows Alabama’s Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act to remain enforced.
The act prohibits providing hormones and puberty blockers to those under the age of 19 and bans sex change surgeries.
“The district court abused its discretion in issuing this preliminary injunction because it applied the wrong standard of scrutiny,” ruled Judge Barbara Lagoa.
“The plaintiffs have not presented any authority that supports the existence of a constitutional right to ‘treat [one’s] children with transitioning medications subject to medically accepted standards,’” Lagoa said.
Lagoa’s opinion noted that the federal government’s witness explained that there are risks involved in treatment for gender dysphoria.
“[Dr. Armand H. Antommaria] went on to note that, for puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones generally, there is a risk of impaired fertility, and that, for estrogen therapy, there is a risk of change in sexual function,” Lagoa stated.
Reporting from LifeSite News:
“Alabama is right to protect minors from harmful, irreversible, and experimental medical procedures that can permanently alter children’s bodies without any proven long-term benefit,” Alliance Defending Freedom’s Ryan Bangert stated in a news release. “Children suffering discomfort with their sex are best served by compassionate mental health care,” Bangert stated. “Even the far-from-impartial World Professional Association for Transgender Health has admitted that the overwhelming majority of children will naturally resolve their dysphoria as they mature.” ... “The 11th Circuit rightly agreed that Alabama is free to implement laws that protect vulnerable children and give them time to flourish,” Bangert stated. “We commend Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall for his work protecting Alabama’s children, and ADF looks forward to continuing to support him and his office in their noble efforts.”
