In a complex intersection of state policies, certain U.S. states have enacted bans on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth while maintaining provisions that allow minors to marry under specific conditions. This juxtaposition has raised concerns among advocates regarding the protection and autonomy of young individuals.
States Enacting Bans on Transgender Youth Healthcare
As of early 2025, several states have implemented laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for minors. These measures vary in scope and enforcement, with some facing legal challenges. According to the Movement Advancement Project, the following states have enacted such bans:
- Alabama: Prohibits gender-affirming care for minors.
- Arkansas: Enforces restrictions on transgender youth healthcare.
- Florida: Implements bans on gender-affirming treatments for minors.
- Georgia: Restricts access to gender-affirming care for youth.
- Idaho: Prohibits gender-affirming medical procedures for minors.
- Indiana: Enacts bans on transgender youth healthcare services.
- Iowa: Restricts access to gender-affirming care for minors.
- Kansas: Prohibits gender-affirming treatments for youth.
- Kentucky: Enforces bans on transgender healthcare for minors.
- Louisiana: Restricts gender-affirming care for youth.
- Mississippi: Prohibits gender-affirming medical procedures for minors.
- Missouri: Enacts bans on transgender youth healthcare services.
- Montana: Restricts access to gender-affirming care for minors.
- Nebraska: Prohibits gender-affirming treatments for youth.
- North Carolina: Enforces bans on transgender healthcare for minors.
- North Dakota: Restricts gender-affirming care for youth.
- Ohio: Prohibits gender-affirming medical procedures for minors.
- Oklahoma: Enacts bans on transgender youth healthcare services.
- South Carolina: Restricts access to gender-affirming care for minors.
- South Dakota: Prohibits gender-affirming treatments for youth.
- Tennessee: Enforces bans on transgender healthcare for minors.
- Texas: Restricts gender-affirming care for youth.
- Utah: Prohibits gender-affirming medical procedures for minors.
- West Virginia: Enacts bans on transgender youth healthcare services.
- Wyoming: Restricts access to gender-affirming care for minors.
It’s important to note that in some of these states, such as Montana, court orders have temporarily blocked the enforcement of these bans, allowing continued access to care while legal challenges proceed.
Child Marriage Laws in the Same States
Concurrently, many of these states have established legal frameworks that permit minors to marry, often with parental consent, court approval, or both. The minimum age requirements and conditions vary by state.
- Alabama: Allows marriage at age 16 with parental consent.
- Arkansas: Permits marriage at age 17 with parental consent.
- Florida: Allows marriage at age 17 with parental consent.
- Georgia: Permits marriage at age 17 with parental consent.
- Idaho: Allows marriage at age 16 with parental consent.
- Indiana: Permits marriage at age 16 with parental consent.
- Iowa: Allows marriage at age 16 with parental consent.
- Kansas: Permits marriage at age 15 with parental consent.
- Kentucky: Allows marriage at age 17 with parental consent.
- Louisiana: Permits marriage at age 16 with parental consent.
- Mississippi: Allows marriage at any age with parental consent.
- Missouri: Permits marriage at age 16 with parental consent.
- Montana: Allows marriage at age 16 with parental consent.
- Nebraska: Permits marriage at age 17 with parental consent.
- North Carolina: Allows marriage at age 16 with parental consent.
- North Dakota: Permits marriage at age 16 with parental consent.
- Ohio: Allows marriage at age 17 with parental consent.
- Oklahoma: Permits marriage at age 16 with parental consent.
- South Carolina: Allows marriage at age 16 with parental consent.
- South Dakota: Permits marriage at age 16 with parental consent.
- Tennessee: Allows marriage at age 17 with parental consent.
- Texas: Permits marriage at age 16 with parental consent.
