New Hampshire Grapples with Reaction to Supreme Court Ruling on Gender-Affirming Care
In a significant development following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors, New Hampshire is poised to consider similar legislation. Republican-backed bills, which restrict access to puberty blockers, hormones, and chest surgeries for individuals under 18, are expected to reach Governor Kelly Ayotte soon.
Supporters of the bills, including Rep. Jim Kofalt, view the Supreme Court ruling as a positive affirmation, suggesting it will pave the way for the passage of these measures. Conversely, local LGBTQ advocates have condemned the ruling, arguing it jeopardizes essential medical care for transgender youth. State Rep. Alice Wade, one of the few transgender lawmakers, emphasized that gender-affirming care had significantly improved her life and warned that impending legislative changes may force families to leave New Hampshire in search of necessary healthcare.
Linds Jakows of 603 Equality stated that parents have advocated for Ayotte to veto the bills, emphasizing that healthcare decisions should lie between families and their doctors. The ACLU of New Hampshire also expressed concern, calling the Supreme Court’s decision a "painful setback" while vowing to continue advocating for transgender rights in the state and nationwide.
New Hampshire is on track to join over two dozen Republican-led states restricting gender-affirming care if the pending bills are enacted, igniting fierce debate around the issue.
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