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The trial seeking to end North Dakota’s ban on gender affirming medical care for minors begins today.
The trial begins a year after the state legislature enacted the ban. More than 25 states have passed similar bans across the country prompting similar lawsuits. Some judges have issued injunctions, and the U.S. Supreme Court has yet to weigh in on the constitutionality of these bans.
The case in North Dakota originally had multiple plaintiffs, including the children affected by the ban and parents of those getting, or planning to get, gender affirming care. A judge ruled they cannot participate, and only one doctor remains as the plaintiff.
The trial is in Bismarck and expected to last more than a week.
Republicans in the state support the ban, as does first-term Governor Kelly Armstrong.
Every major U.S. medical group, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, has opposed similar bans.
Any ruling is expected to be appealed to higher courts.
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