The fight over healthcare for transgender youth in Arkansas has taken a devastating turn. Even though the state could not show that a single child in Arkansas has ever been harmed by receiving gender-affirming care, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the lower court’s ruling that blocked the state’s ban.
By ignoring parents, doctors, and medical experts, the court has stripped away lifesaving care — causing real harm to transgender kids and the families who love them. Arkansas’s ban on this care is now imminent.
What the Ruling Means
The court leaned heavily on the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision upholding a similar ban in Tennessee, and it dismissed the evidence showing that gender-affirming care is safe, effective, and often life-saving for transgender youth.
When the injunction is lifted:
- Puberty blockers, hormones, and other transition-related care for anyone under 18 will be banned.
- Doctors will be prohibited from issuing formal medical referrals for this care. They can still discuss options with families, but the law restricts their ability to help young people access treatment.
Families of trans youth who are seeking support for access to gender-affirming care may consider these resources from Intransitive and the Campaign for Southern Equality.
What Hasn’t Changed
This ruling is devastating, but it does not erase the rights that trans Arkansans still hold. Discrimination based on gender identity remains unlawful in areas like housing, employment, and education. If you believe your rights have been violated, contact the ACLU of Arkansas or a trusted private attorney. You can read more about those protections here: Know Your Rights: Transgender Rights.
What You Can Do Now
Arkansas families should know: You are not alone. Across the state and region, organizations are working to connect people with accurate information, legal support, and community care. You can take action today by supporting and sharing the work of organizations working hard to protect and advance trans rights, such as:
- ACLU of Arkansas
- Intransitive
- BeYouu
- House of GG
- Transgender Law Center
- Campaign for Southern Equality
The road ahead will be difficult, but trans youth in Arkansas deserve care, safety, and the freedom to thrive. This ruling does not change that truth. Trans youth belong here — and we will continue to fight alongside them.