Here's what you should know.


"I know that I am a girl and I always have been. Even before I learned the word 'transgender' or met other trans people, I knew myself ... I would not feel like myself anymore if this lifesaving medication was criminalized."

– H.W. (15-year-old Alabamian and ACLU client)


ACLU Supporter –

This Monday, we swiftly filed a lawsuit to block a law in Alabama that passed last Friday – which criminalizes doctors and families providing gender-affirming medical care to trans youth with up to 10 years in prison.

Our clients in this case are two families of trans youth suing the state to protect access to medically-necessary care – including H.W.'s family, whose words are shared above.

Both families say being denied this medically necessary care will be devastating for the mental and physical health of their adolescent children. And if the law takes effect, they may be forced to move out of Alabama – separating them from family members and loved ones.

This unconstitutional law is a part of the ongoing, nationwide efforts of state legislatures to eliminate the rights and undermine the safety of trans youth. In fact, this is the seventh challenge to an anti-trans law we have brought since 2020 – including our lawsuit blocking Texas Governor Greg Abbott's directive to investigate families with trans kids for child abuse.

Make no mistake: These intrusive and damaging actions by state lawmakers across the country are harmful, disturbing, and have absolutely zero medical justification.

Gender-affirming care hasn't only greatly improved the mental health of our clients' children – but it's also endorsed by all major medical associations.

Studies consistently show that transgender children who receive gender-affirming care when they are young have better mental health outcomes and report fewer cases of depression, self-harm, and suicidality.

To put young people in Alabama at risk of losing this life-saving care by threatening their doctors with felony convictions – is deeply unjust and needlessly cruel.

That's why we're suing with our co-counsels the ACLU of Alabama, Lambda Legal, Transgender Law Center, and Cooley LLP. And why we will not stop fighting – alongside trans youth, their families, and the doctors who provide lifesaving care – until every young person can live fully, grow, and thrive.

Thank you for being with us,

Malita Picasso
Pronouns: She, her, hers
ACLU attorney, fighting for transgender justice

P.S. Our clients in Alabama – and all families and young people directly impacted by these nationwide attacks – are having to hold so much right now. Knowing you are with them in this fight makes a difference: If you're a parent yourself, or even an adult who cares, please take our pledge in support of trans youth today. <[link removed]>

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