Tennessee governor approves law that bans transgender youth from getting gender-confirming hormone treatment

• Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a law that bans hormone therapy for transgender youth.
• The law blocks doctors from providing pre-pubescent minors with gender-confirming treatment.
• Tennessee has already approved two other anti-trans bills targeting businesses and schools that accommodate them.

Tennessee governor Bill Lee has signed a third anti-trans bill in less than a week, this time banning transgender children from receiving gender-affirming treatments such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

The new law, signed Wednesday, blocks doctors from providing hormone replacement therapy and puberty blockers to pre-pubescent minors, according to the Associated Press.

The law is the latest legislation to be approved that targets trans people and those who accommodate them in Tennessee. It is the second state in the US to approve an official trans medical ban after Arkansas passed HB1570 on April 6, 2021.

Earlier this week Lee signed a law that will force businesses to publicly post a "policy" sign showing they allow transgender people to use bathrooms the match their gender identity.

Last week he signed a separate bill that prohibits transgender students and school staff members from using bathrooms that match their gender identity.

Advocates and medical professionals say trans medical bans will lead to higher rates of suicide among trans youth

Over 100 pieces of anti-trans legislation are being discussed in state legislatures across the country. Many of them propose medical bans that directly target trans minors.

Tennessee's new law specifically prohibits HRT and puberty blockers for pre-pubescent trans teens.

Puberty blockers are a common treatment prescribed to trans youth to pause puberty until a child is old enough to decide with their physician and parents if they want to start HRT. They do not have permanent effects.

Dr. Alann Weissman-Ward, Medical Director for Plume, previously told Insider pre-pubescent trans youth are never prescribed HRT or puberty blockers. Instead, they have to consult with a therapist, their parents, and a physician before beginning any treatment.

While the law is based on a misunderstanding of best care practices for treating trans youth, advocates worry what it could mean for trans medical rights in Tennessee down the road.

Studies have shown when trans youth have access to gender-affirming care, they are less likely to struggle with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideations later in life.

"If lawmakers really care about the best interests of trans youth, they would focus on improving access to quality health care instead of playing doctor themselves," Alphonso David, Human Rights Campaign president, wrote in a statement.

"Patients, parents and health care providers should be guided by science and medical best practices rather when seeking treatments, not the whims of the state legislators."