The Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors in a 6–3 decision Wednesday, rejecting a Biden-era challenge and empowering states to restrict puberty blockers and hormone therapy. In a solo concurrence, Justice Clarence Thomas criticized the reliance on what he called “self-described experts,” arguing that courts should not defer to politically motivated medical opinions in areas of “scientific uncertainty.”
“This case carries a simple lesson,” Thomas wrote. “In politically contentious debates… courts should not assume that self-described experts are correct.” He added that many professionals ignore “grave problems” with irreversible treatments for youth, asserting that some recommendations are designed to “achieve political ends.”
Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justices Jackson and Kagan, responded in dissent that major medical associations provide “factual context,” not constitutional guidance. She said Thomas himself selectively cited scientific literature to bolster his view.
The court ruled Tennessee’s law, S.B. 1, does not constitute sex discrimination and can be enforced. Medical groups like the AMA maintain such care is often lifesaving, but recent Trump administration moves and a new HHS report have cast doubt on those claims.
The decision is expected to influence similar laws in other Republican-led states.
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