{"id":354796,"date":"2022-06-15T08:26:04","date_gmt":"2022-06-15T13:26:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/lgbtq-law\/how-to-access-gender-affirming-healthcare-for-transgender-youth.html"},"modified":"2026-06-08T08:57:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T13:57:00","slug":"how-to-access-gender-affirming-healthcare-for-transgender-youth","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/lgbtq-law\/how-to-access-gender-affirming-healthcare-for-transgender-youth.html","title":{"rendered":"Laws on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Laws on Gender-Affirming Care for Minors<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Gender-affirming healthcare for minors involves medical and psychological interventions like hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and mental health counseling. Legal considerations are critical as many states have differing laws regarding the availability and restrictions of such treatments for minors.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

The legal landscape surrounding transgender rights and gender-affirming care for minors remains uncertain. Parents of transgender teens who need current information should stay in touch with LGBTQ+ organizations in their state.<\/p>\n

In recent years, more than half the states have passed laws prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors under the age of 18. Some state bans include criminal charges<\/a> for providing some types of care, such as gender-affirming surgeries for minors.<\/p>\n

Twelve states are considered \u201csanctuary states\u201d for transgender medical treatment. These states have laws protecting the rights of transgender individuals<\/a> and their parents to receive medical treatment and will not enforce out-of-state investigations or prosecutions.<\/p>\n

This article summarizes how state laws regarding gender-affirming care for minors differ across the nation. Keep in mind these laws are evolving and subject to change. For the most up-to-date legal guidance, contact an attorney<\/a> in your state.<\/p>\n

What Is Gender-Affirming Healthcare?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Transgender individuals are those whose gender identity<\/a> differs from their sex assigned at birth.<\/p>\n

When the person feels distress or depression caused by the difference in their identity and assigned sex, they may experience gender dysphoria. However, not all transgender individuals experience gender dysphoria. And not all those with gender dysphoria are transgender.<\/p>\n

Most serious cases of gender dysphoria occur during puberty. According to leading medical associations like the American Medical Association (AMA)<\/a>, current best practices for adolescent gender transition and gender dysphoria include:<\/p>\n