After US Supreme Court gender-affirming care decision, local advocates expect more seeking health care to come to Illinois
Share and Follow

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 ruling marks the first time the Supreme Court justices have weighed in on an anti-transgender state law. And those against the ruling say the law will impact those beyond the transgender community.

“This is not just an attack on trans youth or LGBT-identifying folks; this is an attack on bodily autonomy,” said Manuel Hernandez, executive director of the Association of Latinos Motivating Action.

It’s one of the most significant LGBTQ rulings to come down from the Supreme Court. It’s a ruling that means states are allowed to ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors. It’s care, Hernandez says, that is 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 and Follow
You May Also Like
Baffled Juventus players hit out at 'weird' meeting with Donald Trump

Juventus players express confusion over ‘strange’ encounter with Donald Trump

Juventus players have spoken out after meeting US President Donald Trump ahead…
Model defends her $100k monthly bill on luxuries

“Model Justifies Spending $100k Monthly on Luxuries”

If she has the money to spend it — she will. Despite…
Rebuilding one of the nation's oldest Black churches to begin at Juneteenth ceremony

Restoration of one of the country’s long-standing Black churches to commence during Juneteenth celebration

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (AP) — A ceremonial groundbreaking will be held Thursday for…
Pope Leo says AI threatens humanity, 'poses challenges to human dignity'

The Pope believes that artificial intelligence puts humanity at risk and presents obstacles to human worth.

Pope Leo XIV has given a serious warning regarding artificial intelligence, stating…
JSO: Argument leads to woman being shot on Franklin Street on Eastside

Woman shot on Eastside’s Franklin Street following argument

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says the two women started arguing with each…
MARK ALMOND: Lesson from history on Iran: Be careful what you wish for

MESSAGE FROM THE PAST: Iran’s history teaches us to be cautious about what we desire.

The possibility of Iran’s oppressive rule coming to an end has never…
What's closed in Jacksonville for Juneteenth?

What is shut down in Jacksonville on Juneteenth?

Juneteenth will be celebrated Thursday. Here’s what’s closed in Duval County. JACKSONVILLE,…
ICE raids and their uncertainty scare off workers and baffle businesses

Workers are frightened and businesses are puzzled by the unpredictability of ICE raids

WASHINGTON — Farmers, cattle ranchers and hotel and restaurant managers breathed a…