SCOTUS Ruling on Trans Youth Care: DAP Health Will Not Back Down

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a deeply disappointing decision in United States v. Skrmetti, allowing Tennessee’s ban on essential health care for transgender youth to stand. This ruling confirms that states have the authority to ban care that is widely endorsed by the medical community — care that trans youth and their families rely on to live healthy, safe, and full lives.

This is a painful moment, especially for families in the 25 states where care has already been restricted. But it’s also a call to action: we must fight harder than ever to protect health care freedom, defend young people, and ensure that compassion, not politics, guides our care.

Why This Matters

At DAP Health, we know from experience that health care for transgender youth is essential care, not a political talking point. In 2024 alone, we provided:

• 2,694 gender health and wellness appointments.
• 606 patients with individualized transgender health care.

This care is safe, effective, and backed by every major U.S. medical association, including the AMA, APA, and American Academy of Pediatrics. When young people receive the care and support they need, they thrive. Denying that care can lead to increased depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.

This decision doesn’t change access in California — and it is estimated that 63% of transgender youth in America still live in states where care remains legal — but it increases the risk that more states may move to ban care, putting more young lives in jeopardy. 

Our Position

“This morning’s Supreme Court decision in United States v. Skrmetti is a dangerous setback for trans youth and their families, not only in Tennessee, but in every state where similar challenges are brewing,” says DAP Health CEO David Brinkman. “Denying this evidence-based, lifesaving care — endorsed by every major medical association — puts politics over patients. At DAP Health, we see the power of gender-affirming care every day, and we will continue to offer this care with compassion, dignity, and clinical excellence.”

Health care decisions belong to families, patients, and doctors — not politicians. Every parent should be able to ensure their child receives essential health care. We all want kids to be happy and healthy. That includes trans kids. 

What the Ruling Means

• If you live in a state without a ban (like California): This decision does not affect trans youth’s access to care.
• If you live in a state with a ban: The ruling means existing restrictions may continue, but you are not alone. Organizations across the country like DAP Health are mobilizing to support trans youth and their families. 

Our Commitment and Call to Action

This isn’t over, not by a long shot. DAP Health will:

• Continue offering gender health and wellness services without interruption.
• Advocate for the right to evidence-based, patient-centered care.
• Support young people and families with trusted, affirming guidance.
• Push back against misinformation and political interference in health care.

You can help us continue this work.

Donate now to protect gender-affirming care.

Let’s stand together — for health care that affirms every young person’s right to be exactly who they are. Thank you.