gender-affirming care

Accessing gender-affirming health care for transgender minors and participating on sports teams that align with trans athletes' gender identity are currently prohibited in Missouri. Those bans are set to expire in 2027, unless the state legislature opts to extend them indefinitely.

Plaintiffs had argued the prohibition violates the equal protection and due process clauses of the Missouri Constitution.

The plaintiffs are seeking a reversal of a lower court that upheld the ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

Missouri has had a ban of medical gender-affirming care for youth, as well as adults on Medicaid or who are incarcerated, since 2023. But other forms of gender-affirming care is happening in the state, and advocates say it’s saving lives.

The bill's sponsors say they want to protect children, but those in opposition say the bills hurt more than help.