North Dakota Supreme Court rules to uphold ban on gender affirming care for minors

North Dakota Supreme Court rules to uphold ban on gender affirming care for minors

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - North Dakota’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors will remain in place.

The state Supreme Court ruled on Thursday to uphold the 2023 law, rejecting a legal challenge from a pediatric doctor who argued the restrictions violated the state constitution.

Under the law, doctors cannot prescribe puberty blockers or hormone treatments to minors for gender transitions, and surgical procedures are also outlawed.

The ruling states that providers who break the law can face criminal penalties ranging from misdemeanors up to felonies.

State justices sided with Attorney General Drew Wrigley, deciding lawmakers acted within their authority to regulate medical practices, keeping the ban fully in effect across North Dakota.

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