We are deeply disappointed by the U.S. Supreme Court decision in United States v. Skrmetti that allows the state of Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors to remain in place. The ruling also makes it more difficult to legally challenge other policies that restrict or ban gender-affirming care through the courts. It effectively leaves the health and well-being of transgender youth vulnerable to the shifting political winds of individual states, thereby denying young people the dignity, care and affirmation they deserve.
The Colorado Health Foundation recognizes that gender-affirming care is essential for health, safety and well-being. In Colorado, our state laws include protections that make this care accessible to youth here. Today’s Supreme Court ruling does not change those policies in Colorado, and we are committed to protecting young people’s right to live as their full, authentic selves.
We stand firmly with transgender youth and their families, not only in Colorado but across the country. No young person or family should have to fear discrimination or political interference in the deeply personal decisions that shape their lives.