Tennessee’s ban on certain medical care for transgender youth is causing families of transgender children to face difficult decisions. The Supreme Court is reviewing a legal challenge to this ban, which is scheduled for Wednesday.
Tennessee’s ban on certain medical treatments for transgender youth is causing difficult decisions for families with transgender children. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a legal challenge to this ban.
The ban has had a significant impact on the lives of children and teenagers, who are not only going through typical adolescent experiences but also identify as transgender.
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Written by Emily Cochrane
Reporting live from the
After Tennessee prohibited gender-transition care for children, some families quickly left, leaving their homes and withdrawing their children from school. Others decided to stay, reducing their expenses in order to afford traveling out of state for necessary doctor appointments.
Some residents who have chosen to remain in Tennessee are still considering the option of relocating in the future.
Families are feeling extremely anxious as the Supreme Court reviews a challenge to a Tennessee law. They are worried that if the ban is upheld, it could negatively impact the care their children receive, especially with the incoming Trump administration promising to impose more restrictions on transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman, who relocated from Tennessee with her teenage daughter after the law was enacted, explained the emotional toll of constantly having to defend a decision that was not her choice. She likened the experience to a natural disaster affecting her family dynamics and sense of comfort.
Five families and three children were willing to participate in interviews as long as their identities were kept anonymous due to fears of retaliation and ongoing harassment.
In my opinion, when your child tells you who they are and what they need, as a parent, you should be there to support them.
Kristen Chapman
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