The link between the movements for abortion rights and transgender rights

Transcript: The movements for abortion rights and transgender rights are deeply connected. Here's why.  

Currently, 25 US states are enforcing bans on gender-affirming care for minors. Nearly half of those states are also enforcing total abortion bans. The rest have strict gestational limits, like bans at six or twelve weeks. These overlapping restrictions are no coincidence. They come from the same politicians. And, they reflect a broader political agenda, one that targets bodily autonomy in multiple ways. Young people are hit hardest by these restrictive policies. In many states, they're being denied access to both reproductive care and gender-affirming care, two essential aspects of health and well-being. Now, this issue is before the US Supreme Court. In US v. Skrmetti, the Court will decide if Tennessee can ban gender-affirming care for minors. This case closely echoes the 2022 Dobbs decision, which allowed states to ban abortion. The consequences of Dobbs have been far-reaching. A ruling in Skrmetti could have similarly sweeping effects. This isn't just about individual policies. It's part of a coordinated strategy to restrict fundamental rights. Protecting access to care, whether for abortion or gender-affirming treatment means defending autonomy, health and dignity. We can't back down. Trans youth and abortion seekers deserve better. Stay informed at guttmacher.org.