In the wake of Missouri’s recent legislation banning transition-related care for minors, families like Becky Hormuth and her transgender son, Levi, find themselves in a precarious situation. Despite initial protections for those already receiving treatment, the law’s indirect consequences have led to healthcare facilities ceasing such services.
The Impact on Levi’s Care
Levi, a 16-year-old transgender teen, started receiving testosterone in November last year. The new law, however, introduced a legal loophole that puts healthcare providers at risk of being sued, leading to the cessation of transition-related care at the Hormuths’ local hospital. This decision has left many families, including Levi’s, in a state of distress and uncertainty.
National Trend in Anti-LGBTQ Legislation
Missouri’s law is part of a broader national movement by Republican lawmakers to restrict LGBTQ rights. Over 500 bills targeting the LGBTQ community have been proposed in 2023, with 75 becoming law. These range from limitations on transition care and sports participation to restrictions on LGBTQ-related classroom instruction.
A Growing Struggle for Transgender Youth
Levi’s story echoes the struggles of an estimated 105,200 transgender teens in the U.S., living in states with similar restrictive laws. The backlash from major medical organizations against these laws highlights a growing divide between legislative actions and medical opinions on transgender healthcare.
The Hormuths’ Ongoing Battle
With the new law in effect, Becky Hormuth is tirelessly working to ensure Levi’s continued access to necessary healthcare, even if it means traveling long distances. Their story is a testament to the challenges faced by many in the transgender community, as they navigate a landscape increasingly marked by legal and social obstacles.