Planned Parenthood Providers Join Amicus Brief In U.S. v. Skrmetti

Three Planned Parenthood providers join amicus brief in support of youths’ access to gender affirming hormone therapy

Washington, D.C. — Today, three providers from Planned Parenthood health centers joined an amicus brief in U.S. v. Skrmetti, the case challenging the constitutionality of Tennessee's ban on youths' access to gender affirming hormone therapy that the U.S. Supreme Court will hear this coming term. Joined by a total of 17 providers of gender affirming care across the country, the amicus brief sets forth how young trans and nonbinary people benefit when they have access to gender affirming hormone therapy and how bans on this medically necessary care have caused substantial harm to youths’ health and wellbeing.

At the center of this case is Tennessee’s ban on gender affirming hormone therapy for young people, which the state legislature enacted in March 2023 and has been in effect since July 2023, and which patients, their families, and the Biden-Harris administration have argued violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. This ban has caused chaos and confusion for young trans people in Tennessee. By outlawing youths’ access to gender affirming hormone therapy, Tennessee politicians have done substantial harm to young trans and nonbinary people in the state, particularly low-income trans and nonbinary youth.

Among the Planned Parenthood providers who joined the brief are Natalie Frazier, certified nurse-midwife, clinician supervisor, and the Gender Affirming Care Director at Planned Parenthood South Atlantic; Carla Lantz, certified nurse-midwife, Program Director of Gender Affirming Care, and Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner at Planned Parenthood Great Rivers; and Dr. Colleen McNicholas, Chief Medical Officer at Planned Parenthood Great Rivers.

Many Planned Parenthood health centers proudly provide gender-affirming care, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America offers sex education that covers the full spectrum of gender identities and expressions. The brief on behalf of providers of gender-affirming care was prepared on a pro bono basis by attorneys at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP.

The amicus brief can be found here.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S