In a landmark 6–3 decision this week, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s ban on so-called “gender-affirming care” for minors. The ruling affirmed the state’s authority to protect children from irreversible procedures involving sterilization, hormone treatment, and even genital mutilation—medical interventions minors cannot legally consent to. Yet in the wake of this decisive blow, far-left activists and medical lobbyists refuse to back down.
Science Versus Ideology
Almost immediately, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a press release that ignored both the ruling and the real science. In a widely ratioed post, the AAP declared that gender transition for kids is “medically necessary” and warned that the ruling would have “far-reaching consequences.” The group falsely claimed their position is backed by “decades of research” while downplaying the physical risks of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones.
The statement emphasized “dignity” over biology, conveniently sidestepping serious medical concerns. But detransitioners like Chloe Cole—who celebrated the ruling in front of the Court—are living proof of the long-term harm these practices can cause. Cole, who underwent transition treatments as a minor, has since spoken out about the regret and trauma they caused.
Whistleblowers and Suppressed Data
Perhaps most damning is the growing evidence that pro-transition doctors have buried unflattering data. Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy admitted to The New York Times that she withheld a $10 million taxpayer-funded study because it didn’t support the narrative. The study involved puberty blockers and showed outcomes that might have hindered the push to normalize child transition procedures.
This follows a growing pattern. Medical elites and media allies have elevated ideology over evidence, treating opposition not as scientific disagreement, but as bigotry.
Democrats Dig In
Despite the legal defeat and growing public skepticism, leftist politicians are doubling down. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), for instance, called the SCOTUS decision “heartbreaking” and compared it to Dobbs, the abortion case that returned power to the states. Her post earned fewer likes than a brutal quote-tweet by commentator Kurt Schlichter, who slammed Democrats’ obsession with child mutilation.
Others, like former Senator Sherrod Brown and Rep. Colin Allred, already learned the hard way how unpopular this issue is—even among many Democrats. But Stansbury, like the AAP, seems determined to ride this losing horse straight off a political cliff.
Reality Check from the Right
In stark contrast, the American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) applauded the ruling. In an amicus brief, they warned the Court of the dangers associated with puberty blockers and irreversible surgeries. Executive Director Dr. Jill Simons noted that their evidence-based analysis exposed how political bias—not medical need—drives the pro-transition agenda.
Justice Clarence Thomas, in his concurring opinion, highlighted the harms of such treatments, citing impaired brain development, decreased bone density, and a lack of scientific grounding behind transition “standards.” He also slammed the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) for promoting treatments that even their internal files admit are unsupported by rigorous data.
The Path Forward
States like Tennessee and over 20 others are now on the front lines, pushing back against a well-funded machine of corporate medicine and progressive activism. These states recognize that protecting children means saying no to untested ideology masquerading as care.
The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a turning point—but as this week has shown, the gender lobby isn’t going quietly. They’re ignoring science, dismissing dissent, and steamrolling parental rights in their quest to redefine childhood itself. If America wants to protect its most vulnerable, the fight is far from over.