Defending Access to Gender-Affirming Care: SAHM’s Ongoing Commitment

June 19, 2025

A Statement by the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine

The Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM) condemns the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. This ruling threatens the health, safety, and well-being of transgender and gender-diverse youth nationwide.

SAHM joined numerous medical and health organizations in submitting amicus briefs in this case at both the lower federal courts and the Supreme Court, emphasizing the broad medical consensus on the importance of timely, evidence-based gender-affirming care. Access to this care is essential to the physical and mental health of many transgender and gender-diverse youth and should be at the discretion of youth and their families in collaboration with healthcare professionals.

Despite this ruling, SAHM remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding access to medically necessary, evidence-based gender-affirming care and its support of those who provide this care. In the days, weeks, and months ahead, we will continue to evaluate the evolving legal and policy landscape and work alongside partner organizations to advocate for the rights of transgender and gender-diverse youth to receive the care they need and deserve to grow and thrive authentically as themselves.

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