The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to let it enforce a prison policy limiting medical care for transgender inmates. The request was filed with the justices after lower courts blocked the rule. The dispute now moves to the nation’s highest court.
The Bureau of Prisons policy would deny certain gender-transition treatments to transgender prisoners. Under the rule, inmates would instead receive psychotherapy and antidepressants. The change applies to hormone therapies and related procedures.
Lower courts halted the policy before it could take full effect. Judges ruled that the restrictions raised serious legal questions. The administration is now seeking an emergency reversal of those decisions.
Federal attorneys argue the policy falls within the bureau’s authority. They say prison officials may set medical standards for incarcerated people. The government contends the lower court rulings intrude on executive discretion.
Lawyers for transgender inmates oppose the request. They argue the policy causes harm by cutting off established care. Medical groups have long recognized hormone therapy as necessary treatment for some patients.
The case centers on how much deference courts owe prison medical decisions. It also tests the reach of constitutional protections for transgender people in custody. Similar disputes are pending in several states.
The Supreme Court has not yet said whether it will take up the case. A decision on the emergency request could come within weeks. The outcome may set a national standard for prison health care.
