EqualityMaine’s Statement on U.S. v. Skrmetti

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 18, 2025

PORTLAND, ME – This morning, the Supreme Court issued its ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti, a challenge brought by three transgender teens, their families, and a Memphis-based medical provider against a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming hormone therapies for transgender youth under 18. The Supreme Court ruled that states may have the power to ban gender-affirming care for minors. 

With this decision, the Supreme Court has failed to protect families’ freedoms and enabled politicians to continue attacks on transgender youth’s healthcare. However, gender-affirming care for trans youth is currently protected under Maine state law. “The Supreme Court’s ruling on US v. Skrmetti is ultimately disappointing, but we want to remind you it doesn’t take away trans youth’s access to gender-affirming care here in Maine,” says Gia Drew, Executive Director of EqualityMaine.

While there are politicians in Maine who persist in their attempts to drive transgender people out of public life and end access to the health care they need, EqualityMaine will continue to fight for transgender people’s human rights.

However, the national impact of this ruling could be significant. 

This ruling could embolden efforts in other states to pass similar bans, potentially affecting access to essential healthcare for transgender youth nationwide.

Since 2021, 25 states have banned gender-affirming care for transgender youth, forcing thousands of families across the country to travel for medical care or watch their child suffer without it. Over 100,000 transgender people under 18 now live in a state with a gender-affirming care ban. With this ruling, this crisis will only get worse. 

“No one, not the President or The Supreme Court, can change who you are. We are free just by existing. What’s important to remember is that transgender young people and their families are not alone in this fight. We will continue to advocate in courtrooms and communities across the state and country to ensure all of us — especially transgender people — have the ability and safety to shape our own futures.”