Federal Judge Blocks Iowa Law Restricting Gender-Affirming Care for Minors
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A federal judge temporarily blocked a new Iowa law on Friday, January 26, 2024, that would have banned gender-affirming care for transgender minors. U.S. District Judge Sarah Rose granted a preliminary injunction, preventing the state from enforcing the law while a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality proceeds. The law, signed by Governor Kim Reynolds on March 22, 2023, prohibited puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries for transgender youth under 18.
Background of the Law and Legal Challenge
Iowa’s law, Senate File 548, was one of several similar measures passed by Republican-led states in 2023. Supporters of the law argued it was necessary to protect children from making irreversible decisions. Opponents, including civil rights groups and families of transgender youth, contend the law violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and interferes with parents’ rights to make medical decisions for their children.
The lawsuit was filed in December 2023 by the American Civil Liberties union (ACLU) of Iowa and Lambda Legal on behalf of two transgender teenagers and their parents. The plaintiffs argued the law causes significant harm to transgender youth by denying them medically necessary care.
Judge’s Reasoning for the Injunction
In her 41-page ruling, Judge Rose found that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on the merits of their claims. She wrote that the law “infringes upon the fundamental rights of parents to care for their children” and “discriminates against transgender youth.” The judge also noted the potential for severe harm to the plaintiffs if the law were allowed to remain in effect.
“The evidence presented demonstrates that denying transgender youth access to gender-affirming care can lead to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation,” Judge Rose stated in her ruling.
Iowa governor’s Response
Governor Reynolds expressed her disappointment with the court’s decision. In a statement released on January 26, 2024, she said, “We are confident that the law will be upheld and that Iowa will be able to protect children from irreversible medical procedures.” The state is expected to appeal the injunction to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Impact and Ongoing Legal Battles
The injunction means that transgender youth in Iowa can continue to access gender-affirming care while the lawsuit is pending. Similar laws in other states, including Alabama, Arkansas, and Florida, have also faced legal challenges. As of January 27, 2026, these cases are still working their way through the courts. The ACLU of Iowa https://www.aclu-ia.org/ and Lambda legal https://www.lambdalegal.org/ continue to lead the legal fight against restrictions on gender-affirming care nationwide.
