Gender Affirming Care

After Missouri's new ban took effect on Aug. 28, MU Health stopped providing gender-affirming care for minors, citing “significant legal liability." Washington University in St. Louis also ceased care for transgender youth, even those who were still eligible under the law.

Attorney General Andrew Bailey argued that Southampton Community Health Center failed to provide a “comprehensive mental health assessment” before prescribing hormones or puberty blockers to minors. The claim is based on testimony from a hearing on a lawsuit challenging Missouri's ban.

Officials on Monday announced Washington University's Transgender Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital would no longer offer puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones or surgeries to minors — even those who are exempted from Missouri's new ban.

A ban on gender-affirming health care for minors in Missouri took effect yesterday, preventing transgender youth from accessing treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Plus: Farmworkers are particularly vulnerable to the increasing temperatures and record heatwaves that have been plaguing the Midwest.

The ruling from St. Louis-based Judge Steven Ohmer means the new Missouri law restricting puberty blockers, hormone therapy and gender transition surgery for minors will go into effect on Monday.

Twenty states have bans on transgender care on the books, and half of them are being challenged in court — forcing federal judges to grapple with whether states have the right to restrict medical care.

Beginning Monday, Missouri will ban most transgender minors from receiving hormone therapy or puberty blockers. Opponents say the new law violates the Missouri Constitution's equal protection guarantees.

Neither the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education nor the Missouri State High School Activities Association could say how they will enforce the state's restrictions on transgender athletes — one of the most controversial new laws approved by Missouri legislators this year.

The bill, signed into law by Gov. Mike Parson, bars most transgender minors from accessing puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Opponents cited a provision in the Missouri Constitution "that all persons are created equal and are entitled to equal rights and opportunity under the law."

The Kansas City Pride Community Alliance held its annual parade and PrideFest this weekend. Despite recent political attacks from Kansas and Missouri lawmakers, and a suspected pellet gun attack at a local LGBTQ+ bar last weekend, attendees used the time to get to know each other and find joy in the shared community.

One law bans minors and incarcerated Missourians from accessing puberty blockers, hormones or gender-affirming surgeries — all treatments that are widely supported by mainstream medical groups. Those under 18 who have already begun treatment may continue their regimens. The second law prohibits transgender athletes from competing in sports that align with their gender identity.

Two openly gay lawmakers in Missouri look back on a legislative session that many regard as the most anti-LGBTQ in state history.