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- A federal judge temporarily blocked a new Iowa law on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, that would have banned gender-affirming care for transgender minors.
- The lawsuit was filed in October 2023 by parents of transgender children and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Iowa.
- In her 45-page ruling, Judge Heckman found that the plaintiffs where likely to succeed on the merits of their claims.
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 Wednesday, January 24, 2024, that would have banned gender-affirming care for transgender minors. U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Heckman issued 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 doctors from providing puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries to transgender youth.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit was filed in October 2023 by parents of transgender children and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Iowa. Plaintiffs argued the law violates the Equal Protection Clause and Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as well as the rights of parents to make medical decisions for their children. They contend the law causes significant harm to transgender youth and their families.
Judge’s Reasoning
In her 45-page ruling, Judge Heckman found that the plaintiffs where likely to succeed on the merits of their claims. She wrote that the law “infringes upon the basic rights of parents to care for their children” and “discriminates against transgender youth.” The judge specifically noted the lack of medical evidence supporting the state’s claims that gender-affirming care is harmful.
“The evidence presented at trial demonstrates that gender-affirming care is safe and effective for treating gender dysphoria in minors,” Judge Heckman stated in her ruling.
Iowa’s response and Future Outlook
Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird stated her office will appeal the ruling. “We are confident that Iowa’s law is constitutional and protects children from irreversible medical procedures,” Bird said in a statement released on January 24, 2024. The injunction remains in effect pending the outcome of the appeal. Similar laws restricting gender-affirming care have been passed in other states, including Florida and Alabama, and are facing legal challenges. According to the ACLU, as of January 29, 2024, over 200 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures across the country.