After US Supreme Court gender-affirming care decision, local advocates expect more seeking health care to come to Illinois
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors.

The law bars gender transition surgery, puberty blockers and hormone therapy for people under 18.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Local leaders in the LGBTQ community are raising concerns about the impact of the decision.

The Supreme Court’s decision marks a historic moment as it addresses an anti-transgender law for the first time. Opponents of the verdict argue that its effects will extend beyond just the transgender community.

“This isn’t merely targeting trans youth or LGBT individuals; it’s an affront to personal bodily autonomy,” expressed Manuel Hernandez, the executive director of the Association of Latinos Motivating Action.

This decision stands as one of the most pivotal in LGBTQ legal history, signifying that states have the authority to prohibit gender-affirming medical treatments for transgender minors. According to Hernandez, such treatments are critical and life-saving.

“It actually decrease suicide ideation and intense by 70% among trans youth when they are receiving gender-affirming care,” Hernandez said.

Now those working to support the transgender community are expecting a massive influx of those seeking this health care in Illinois.

“Whether you’re, you know, 18, or you’re 35 or you’re 55 right now, there’s a year waitlist just for a consultation, not even the surgery,” said Asher McMaher, Trans Upfront IL executive director.

For parents like McMaher who has a 13-year-old transgender daughter, the ruling hits closer to home.

“We’re seeing kids like my own, who are trying to stand up within their privilege for those kids who are not being able to get access,” McMaher said.

Those on the other side say the ruling was the best decision.

In a statement, Illinois Republican state Sen. Andrew Chesney said, “By upholding the Tennessee law, the high court rightfully recognizes that prescribing puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and performing disfiguring surgeries on minors is not healthcare. It’s woke ideology-driven malpractice.”

“We see hormones and blockers used for cis people more than we do trans people. Trans people are 1% of the population, right?” McMaher said. “We’re targeting children, and that’s not OK.”

Trans Upfront IL is planning a protest of the Supreme Court’s decision for this Saturday.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family founder and advisor to 5 presidents, dead at 89

Dr. James Dobson, Founder of Focus on the Family and Presidential Advisor, Passes Away at 89

Dr. James Dobson, founder of the Focus on the Family Christian ministry…
Video taken at Jacksonville hospital raises questions about patient treatment

Jacksonville Hospital Footage Sparks Concerns Over Patient Care

A video has raised concerns regarding a patient’s treatment at Baptist Health…
NATO defense chiefs stress commitment to Ukraine, discuss security guarantees during virtual summit

NATO Leaders Emphasize Support for Ukraine and Talk About Security Promises at Online Meeting

The NATO Chiefs of Defense reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine during…
ICE arrests illegal immigrant after failed sanctuary attempt at Colorado probation office

ICE Apprehends Undocumented Immigrant Following Unsuccessful Sanctuary Effort at Colorado Probation Office

An illegal immigrant was arrested Tuesday after she tried seeking sanctuary at…
Florida must stop expanding ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ immigration center, judge says

Judge Orders Florida to Halt Expansion of ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Facility

A federal judge in Miami has issued a preliminary injunction to stop…
Seventh Cincinnati assault suspect arrested over violent beatdown

Cincinnati Police Union Condemns White Victim’s Arrest in Viral Street Attack, Citing Political Influence

The Cincinnati police union has expressed strong disapproval of a legal case…
American Airlines plane landing.

Disturbing Mayday Call from American Airlines Pilot Highlights Aircraft’s Multiple Issues

Frightening audio recordings reveal the intense moment when an American Airlines pilot…
Fighter jet exploding on takeoff.

Frightening scene as fighter jet erupts in flames and crashes during take-off, pilots escape just in time

THIS is the terrifying moment a fighter jet burst into flames before…
Man in red underwear lying on the floor at an airport gate.

Unusual Incident: Passenger Strips and Exposes Themselves to Shocked Tourists at Airport Gate, Gets Apprehended by Police

A PASSENGER gave stunned travellers a naughty striptease all the way down…
Aerial view of a university campus.

Chattanooga Cops Issue Urgent Alert: ‘Run, Hide, Fight’ in Response to Gunfire Reports at UTC

AN active shooter alert has been issued at a college campus in…
Finley Weldon speaks out as a survivor of abuse at an Olympic gymnast academy

Finley Weldon Shares Her Story of Surviving Abuse at a Gymnastics Olympic Training Camp

Free from the control of Sean Gardner during her gymnastics training, Finley…
Back to Square One. Russia Disavows Every Advance Anyone Thought Was Made in Alaska and DC Meetings

Starting Over: Russia Rejects All Progress Thought to Be Made in Alaska and DC Meetings

Last week, President Trump launched an active campaign to bring an end…