North Dakota Transgender Care Ban Challenged in Court Appeal

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A group of three minor patients, their families, and a North Dakota pediatric endocrinologist have filed an appeal challenging the state's ban on gender-affirming medical care for minors. The plaintiffs argue the district court erred in applying only a rational basis review, rather than a higher standard of scrutiny, and that the law is not rationally related to a legitimate government interest as it disregards evidence of harm to affected adolescents.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles over state laws restricting access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth, which advocates argue violate constitutional rights and cause significant harm to vulnerable minors.

The details

In October 2025, a Burleigh County District Court judge upheld North Dakota's Health Care Law, which prohibits providers from performing certain gender-affirming procedures and prescribing medications to minors. The plaintiffs are now appealing that ruling to the state's Supreme Court, arguing the law should be subject to a higher level of judicial scrutiny and that the district court failed to properly consider evidence of harm to affected adolescents.

• In 2023, North Dakota passed the Health Care Law banning gender-affirming care for minors.
• In October 2025, a district court judge upheld the law.
• On February 27, 2026, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the North Dakota Supreme Court.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The North Dakota Supreme Court will now consider the appeal, which raises questions about the appropriate level of judicial scrutiny and the state's justification for the law.