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Texas AG's Ruling Threatens Trans Youth's Care Access

3/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

In March 2026, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a legal opinion.
The opinion says affirming a trans youth's gender identity violates Texas's ban on gender-affirming care.
It threatens therapists with license loss and criminal penalties, effectively signaling conversion therapy.
The Fourth Circuit ruled West Virginia can exclude gender-affirming surgery from Medicaid, potentially enabling broader adult-care bans.
The Supreme Court's decision in Chiles v. Salazar could further complicate affirming-care policy.

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Story summary

In March 2026, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a legal opinion.
The opinion says affirming a trans youth's gender identity violates Texas's ban on gender-affirming care.
It threatens therapists with license loss and criminal penalties, effectively signaling conversion therapy.
The Fourth Circuit ruled West Virginia can exclude gender-affirming surgery from Medicaid, potentially enabling broader adult-care bans.
The Supreme Court's decision in Chiles v. Salazar could further complicate affirming-care policy.