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
Deadly social media trend threatens kids, homeowners defending themselves: 'children are going to get killed’

Dangerous Social Media Challenge Puts Kids at Risk; Homeowners Take Precautions: ‘This Could End Tragically’

Potentially dangerous social media trends are getting kids, and potentially homeowners, into…
Missouri judge again blocks many of the state's anti-abortion laws

Missouri Judge Repeatedly Blocks Several State Anti-Abortion Laws

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — On Thursday, a Missouri judge halted numerous…
Donald Trump speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.

Trump Lashes Out: Putin Wants to Continue Killing in Ukraine, Claims He’s ‘Very Unhappy’ After Hour-Long Call with Vladimir

Donald Trump sounded a grim alarm over Putin’s intentions to “continue the…
UN commission accuses Israel of 'extermination' in controversial report

UN Criticized for Funding Committee Aiming to Undermine Israel, Despite Financial Shortfall

Critics have expressed outrage at the United Nations for allocating funds to…
Floods turned beloved Texas camp into a nightmare. At least 23 girls remain missing

Floods Transform Cherished Texas Camp into Tragedy: 23 Girls Still Missing

In KERRVILLE, Texas, concerned parents took to social media to desperately share…
Donald and Melania Trump on a White House balcony with an American flag.

Donald and Melania Trump Charm Audience with Heartwarming Balcony Appearance Amid Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration

DONALD Trump and Melania have warmed hearts with their PDA-packed appearance while…
Christie Brinkley admits she is a 'fool for love' despite four failed marriages

Christie Brinkley Confesses She’s a ‘Romantic at Heart’ Even After Four Divorces

Christie Brinkley is no stranger to love. The legendary supermodel, who has been…
Multiple arrested as anti-ICE protesters clash with police, US troops in Los Angeles

Numerous Arrests at Los Angeles Protest as Anti-ICE Demonstrators Face Off with Police and US Troops

On Friday, several individuals were taken into custody in Los Angeles as…
Tango lover sues after NYC woman claimed he spiked her drink

Tango Enthusiast Files Lawsuit After Drink-Spiking Allegation in NYC

It takes two to tango but apparently just one after-party to ruin…
Brooks Nader's period stain steals the spotlight during wardrobe mishap at Wimbledon

Brooks Nader’s Wardrobe Blunder at Wimbledon: Period Stain Catches Attention

Brooks Nader poked fun at herself after unexpectedly getting her period during…
Back of the Yards, Chicago shooting: At least 7 seriously injured in mass shooting in 4800-block of South Justine Street, CPD says

Mass Shooting in Chicago’s Back of the Yards: 7 Suffer Serious Injuries on South Justine Street, Police Report

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police reported that at least seven individuals sustained…
Justin Verlander's brutal losing streak continues with loss

Justin Verlander Suffers Another Defeat as Losing Streak Grows

Justin Verlander didn’t try to hide from the results. The latest loss,…