The Supreme Court on Wednesday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from denying gender-transition medical treatments to transgender federal prisoners. The unsigned order, a rare move by the conservative-led bench, maintains a lower court injunction that has prevented the Bureau of Prisons from enforcing a policy banning such care since June 2025. Two conservative justices, Samuel A.
Alito Jr. and Clarence Thomas, dissented, stating they would have granted the administration’s emergency request. The ruling affects up to 1,000 inmates diagnosed with gender dysphoria, ensuring they continue receiving prescribed treatments like hormone therapy and surgery. The ACLU’s Li Nowlin-Sohl called the decision “critical,” affirming that denying medically necessary care violates constitutional rights.
The Justice Department expressed disappointment but vowed to appeal in the D. C. Circuit.
The policy stems from a January 2025 executive order by President Trump barring federal funds for gender-affirming procedures. The court’s action follows a series of rulings targeting transgender rights, including bans on military service and school sports participation.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing