CA, other states sue Trump admin over its efforts to restrict gender-affirming care for youth

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the state's 37th lawsuit against the Trump administration on Friday over its efforts to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender youth.

Joined by several other states, the lawsuit argues the administration is infringing on state rights by trying to override California laws that protect access to such medical treatment.

RELATED: Stanford Medicine pauses gender-related surgeries for young people under age 19

"Trump, Bondi and their allies have undermined trained medical professionals, trampled over states' rights, overstepped their constitutional authority and have endangered vulnerable minors and 18-year-old adults," Bonta said during a press conference.

Supporters of transgender rights rallied at San Francisco's Civic Center following the announcement, celebrating the lawsuit and criticizing what they say is an overreach by the federal government.

"My life would have been different," said Suzanne Ford, who transitioned as an adult. "I do know that the outcomes - if a transgender youth has one supportive parent and is able to access health care - are so much better."

But opponents of this care for minors argue that such treatments are too serious for young people to consent to. They point to the story of Layla Jane, who testified before California lawmakers last month after detransitioning.

"Listen to my voice. Testosterone did this. My vocal cords are so loud I can't scream... don't you dare trivialize what happens to me," Jane said during her testimony.

RELATED: Kaiser pausing gender-affirming surgeries for patients 19 years old and under

Her legal team is now suing the medical providers involved in her transition. One of her attorneys, Mark Trammell of the Center for American Liberty, said the state and federal government should be protecting minors from making decisions they might regret.

"I think it's in good wisdom, waiting until these young people are capable of giving informed consent, until they understand the nature and the consequences of what they're doing with their bodies," Trammell said.

Numerous research studies have shown that providing gender-affirming care can be life-saving and dramatically reduce depression and suicidal ideation.

According to the Williams Institute at UCLA, less than 1% of adults in the U.S. identify as transgender. But the exact number is difficult to determine, as the U.S. Census has not historically asked about gender identity.

Still, advocates like Ford say those voices are critical in the conversation: "Parents and kids in the home should be able to make these decisions with their doctor."

Some of the Trump administration's executive orders against gender-affirming care extend beyond minors, applying to 18 and 19-year-olds as well.