Tennessee’s ban on certain medical treatments for transgender youth is forcing families to make difficult decisions. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing a legal challenge to the ban.
Tennessee’s ban on certain medical care for transgender youth is causing difficult decisions for families with transgender children. The Supreme Court is considering a legal challenge to this ban on Wednesday.
The ban has had a significant impact on the young individuals who are transgender, as it has influenced their typical adolescent experiences.
Backed by
Written by Emily Cochrane
Writing from the city
Some families decided to leave immediately after Tennessee prohibited gender-transition care for their children, causing homes to be vacated and children to be withdrawn from school. Other families opted to stay, making sacrifices such as reducing vacation and holiday expenses in order to travel out of state for necessary doctor appointments.
Some residents who have chosen to remain in Tennessee have not completely dismissed the idea of relocating in the future.
Families are feeling immense pressure as the Supreme Court considers a challenge to a Tennessee law. They are concerned that a decision in support of the ban, which was enacted last year, could worsen the access to care for their children during a time when the upcoming Trump administration has promised to enforce limitations on the rights of transgender individuals.
Kristen Chapman expressed that having to constantly explain that she did not choose her situation and that there are no good options can be overwhelming. She left Tennessee with her teenage daughter after the law was implemented, comparing the experience to a natural disaster disrupting their family dynamics and sense of comfort.
Five other families and three children consented to interviews on the condition of anonymity due to fear of retaliation and ongoing harassment.
In my opinion, if your child tells you who they are and what they need, your responsibility as a parent is to be there to help and encourage them.
The name Kristen Chapman
We are currently experiencing difficulties in accessing the content of the article.
To use this website properly, make sure to activate JavaScript in
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm your access. If you are currently using Reader mode, please close it and sign in to your Times account, or consider subscribing to access all of The Times content.
We appreciate your understanding as we confirm your access.
Are you currently a member? Sign in to your account.
Interested in receiving all of The Times? Subscribe today.
Prom
Index of the website
Navigation for site information