A federal court ruled this week that Indiana’s ban on minors receiving transgender medical services can take effect immediately.
The ban prohibits gender surgeries, cross-sex hormones, and puberty blockers for Indiana residents under 18.
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals lifted an injunction against the ban, which was initially set to take effect last July.
The American Civil Liberties Union challenged the law, arguing against permanent gender-changing surgeries for minors.
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed the bill, stating that such transitions should occur as an adult.
“Permanent gender-changing surgeries with lifelong impacts and medically prescribed preparation for such a transition should occur as an adult, not as a minor,” Holcomb stated.
“There has and will continue to be debate within the medical community about the best ways to provide physical and mental health care for adolescents who are struggling with their own gender identity, and it is important that we recognize and understand those struggles are real,” he said.
“It wasn’t part of my agenda,” Holcomb said one day before. “I’ve told some people very close to me: This is clear as mud. There’s some vagueness to it. So I want to make sure I completely understand.”
The bill’s author, state Senator Tyler Johnson, sees it as a common-sense policy to protect kids.
A total of 23 states have now banned or restricted transgender medical services for minors, with critics raising concerns about the permanent effects and health risks associated with these treatments.
