Texas Supreme Court Permits Investigations of Families with Trans Kids To Resume

A Texas Supreme Court ruled Friday that state government officials can continue to investigate parents and doctors for potential child abuse if they provide gender-affirming care for trans youth.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered state officials in February to start investigating if certain treatments for transgender youth like hormones and puberty-suppressing drugs constitute child abuse. The decision overturns a lower court's injunction from Mar. 11 that found Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's policy was "beyond the scope of his authority and unconstitutional." Some Texas families with transgender children are considering moving outside of the state as a result of "the threat of these investigations."

Left-rated outlets were more likely to describe gender-affirming care as "medically necessary" and "evidence-based care." They also emphasized data that highlighted how thousands of transgender youth across the country are facing "restricted access" that has impacted their mental health. Conversely, right-rated outlets were more likely to highlight the court ruling in a positive light and include quotes from Abbott where he claimed gender reassignment surgery creates a "genuine threat of substantial harm from physical injury."