Circuit court judge upholds Missouri’s ban on gender-affirming healthcare for teens

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KBSI) – A circuit court judge upheld Missouri’s ban on gender affirming healthcare for teens.

Judge R. Craig Carter ruled to uphold SB 49 — “Missouri Save Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act” — which prohibits teens from receiving gender affirming healthcare such as puberty blocking drugs or top surgery.

The law also prohibits Medicaid coverage of gender affirming healthcare for transgender people of all ages.

Judge Carter’s decision ruled the lawsuit brought forth did not meet the criteria required to block the enforcement of the law, including that the evidence at trial did not prove the medical ethics of gender dysphoria treatment for children and adolescents.

Clinical psychologist Shannon Cubria Farris runs a trans family support group. He says the law affects people’s mental health, as well.

“My fear is that this bill is sending that message that you have no right to exist,” Cubria Farris said.

He said access to gender affirming care is a lifeline for many transgender teens.

The topic hits home for Wisconsin nineteen year-old Aspen Morris — he’s been outspoken about his experience receiving testosterone therapy and top-surgery when he was seventeen.

I had therapy for at least a year before I had surgery to make sure I was able to,” he said. “And I had a doctor confirm I was good to go and lots of stuff to make sure this was actually the right decision.”

Aspen’s mother, Michelle Morris, said she saw a significant improvement in Aspen’s mental health after his surgery — the family now an advocate for transgender representation and care.

“I could see a big change in Aspen’s confidence,” she said. “Like, immediately he came out of surgery and the biggest smile ever was on his face. So that was huge as a parent.”

SB 49 also prohibits Medicaid coverage of gender affirming healthcare for people of all ages. Cubria Farris said because of this, the law disproportionately impacts low income individuals who may already face systemic discrimination and can compound other barriers to accessing medically necessary treatments.

“Policies like SB 49 ignore the professional judgment of doctors, mental health professionals and families who understand the unique needs of transgender individuals,” he said. “This ruling, not only undermines our ability to provide that compassionate and competent care, but it also jeopardizes lives.”

Lambda Legal and ACLU of Missouri wrote in a joint statement that this is not the end.

“We are extremely disappointed in this decision, but this is not the end of the fight and we will appeal,” they wrote.