North Dakota Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Gender-Transition Procedures for Minors

The North Dakota Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling last Thursday upholding a 2023 state law that prohibits puberty-blocking drugs and cosmetic sex-change surgeries for minors. Writing for the court, Justice Douglas Bahr stated that the state constitution does not grant minors a fundamental right to determine their own medical care, noting that the constitution’s meaning remains fixed despite modern medical developments.

The decision in T.D. v. Wrigley drew contrasting reactions from advocacy groups. Jess Braverman of Gender Justice, which represented the plaintiffs, criticized the ruling as a threat to private medical decision-making and a devastating outcome for transgender youth. Conversely, Jonathan Scruggs of the Alliance Defending Freedom praised the court’s decision, arguing that the law protects children from potentially harmful procedures and aligns with biological reality.

This ruling follows a trend of similar legislative actions across the United States. Supporters of the law maintain that it ensures children experiencing gender dysphoria receive evidence-based care, while opponents argue that such government intervention undermines the rights of families to consult with medical providers.