Transgender Advocates Worry Texas ‘Abuse’ Policy May Spread

State policies that define gender-affirming health care as child abuse have faced early setbacks in the courts, leaving advocates watching to see what other states will do.

A directive from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to investigate care for transgender kids as a potential form of child abuse has been temporarily enjoined by state courts twice in recent months. However, other states could look to adapt the governor’s action into legislation as gender-affirming care sees increased prominence as a wedge issue for political candidates.

Advocates are keeping a particularly close eye on Florida, where Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has pushed for ...