Do states have the right to protect children from irreversible medical procedures that could harm their future? That question was at the heart of the December rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court, where Family Policy Councils (FPCs) from across the country, including the Pennsylvania Family Institute, were active participants in championing the cause. Advocates delivered compelling testimonies, highlighting the need for states to safeguard children from unproven and life-altering interventions. As many of the speakers from diverse perspectives emphasized, this isn’t about politics; it’s about ensuring kids have the opportunity to grow up healthy, whole, and unburdened by the consequences of harmful chemical and physical modifications.
Inside the Supreme Court, the arguments further exposed the lack of evidence supporting medical transitioning for minors. Justice Alito referenced Page 195 of the Cass Report, which dismantles the claim that child sex changes prevent suicide. In a telling exchange, ACLU attorney Chase Strangio conceded that there is “no evidence” these procedures actually reduce suicide rates. This admission underscores the importance of putting a stop to the practices and policies surrounding such irreversible and damaging interventions.
Here are some of the noteworthy excerpts by Family Policy Council leaders from the rally:
- “The question that’s before the Supreme Court that they’re debating right now is monumentally simple and yet very profound: Do individual states have the right to protect children from experimental and unproven medical procedures that can permanently disable their bodies, destroy their fertility, and devastate their future? The answer to that question must be yes – states must have the right to do no harm.” Jonathan Keller, California Family Council
- “Removing healthy body parts from children is not healthcare. It’s not backed in science and it’s not recognizing the reality of regret felt by so many who have since detransitioned. Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy and whole.” Dan Bartkowiak, Pennsylvania Family Institute
- “[Ideological-driven medical professionals] tell us that to affirm these children is the only way to love them. But we stand here today to say that’s wrong. It is because we love them that we must stand against their physical and emotional mutilation. Because we love them we will not affirm practices that harm them…Because we love them we stand against an industry that exploits their insecurities for profit. Because we love them we advocate for counselors who can walk alongside them covering true hope and healing.” Victoria Cobb, The Family Foundation of Virginia
- “I want to thank all of our hardworking FPCs nationwide that are fighting this fight in state houses, in capitols, and in executive mansions. These folks are fighting to make sure that children can keep their innocence and that they can grow up in a healthy, normal way in a God-fearing society.” Dylan Jeremiah, Family Policy Alliance
The Independence Law Center, affiliated with the Pennsylvania Family Institute, played an active role in advocating for the protection of children by filing an amicus brief on behalf of international organizations supporting families impacted by gender dysphoria. The brief highlights a growing global consensus: nations are moving away from liberally allowing medical transitioning for minors in favor of safer, non-invasive psychological treatments. With mounting evidence of the dangers and irreversible consequences of such procedures, the brief urges the Supreme Court to uphold states’ authority to protect the well-being of minors.
“There is a rising global consensus among industrialized nations that once allowed minors liberal access to medical transitioning procedures to now suspend those efforts in favor of non-invasive psychological treatments. Systematic reviews over the past several years have consistently demonstrated that medical transitioning treatments are dangerous and irreversible, with largely unknown long-term consequences. The State has a compelling interest in safeguarding the physical and psychological well-being of minors, and protecting minors from unsafe medical procedures is a part of that interest. Therefore, the Court should affirm the judgment of the court of appeals.”
The importance of the Skrmetti case was underscored by a wide range of voices at the rally, from medical experts to courageous detransitioners sharing personal stories. Their remarks highlighted the devastating consequences of ideology-driven medical practices and the pressing need for commonsense protections for minors. Here are additional compelling statements that captured the essence of the rally and the stakes of the case::
- “Harmful and life-altering drugs and surgeries with often irreversible consequences are never the answer for children who experience discomfort with their sex. We have heard from so many brave women today like Prisha Mosley and what has happened to Prisha and Chloe Cole is a preventable tragedy. Tennessee’s law ensures that no more children suffer from healthcare providers putting ideology over healthcare, lives over truth, and political agendas over science.” Rachel Rouleau, Alliance Defending Freedom
- “Endocrinologists—doctors who specialize in the hormone-regulating endocrine system—have testified to the harms these drugs can cause.” Tyler O’Neil, The Daily Signal
- “It has become increasingly clear in this country and around the world that we should not allow permanent, life-altering decisions that hurt children. This issue is not political. It’s not about left versus right – it’s about being reasonable versus radical.” TN Gov. Bill Lee
“Male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27) You don’t have to be a person of faith to recognize this universal, biological and objective truth. We pray the rally and speakers serve to energize caring parents to show up, stand up and speak up for kids with the truth. Let’s help kids, not harm them.
