Missouri Judge Upholds Ban on Transgender Surgeries for Minors

Missouri judge permits ban on transgender surgeries and treatments for minors, arguing the science is unclear and conflicting.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey speaks to his staff in March 2023. Courtesy of the Missouri Attorney General's Office

A judge in Missouri ruled on Aug. 25 to allow a ban on transgender surgeries and other treatments for minors to take effect in that state, restricting where transgender-identifying youth in America can go to receive treatment.

The ruling by St. Louis Circuit Judge Steven Ohmer prohibits health care providers from performing transgender surgeries on minors starting on Sept. 4.