NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — In a huge victory for youth receiving gender-affirming care in North Dakota, a judge in the Peace Garden State yesterday denied the state's motion to dismiss a lawsuit challenging its ban on this type of care. The case, T.D. v. Wrigley, will go to trial on January 27. Three young transgender North Dakotans, along with their families and their doctor, are challenging the state's ban. The Court previously ruled that transgender youth who received care prior to the ban's enactment in April 2023 can continue to receive care. The upcoming trial will focus on those who were not receiving care before the ban was enacted. "The young people and families across North Dakota harmed by this law deserve their day in court, and they will get it," said Brittany Stewart, senior staff attorney at Gender Justice and lead attorney for the plaintiffs. "We’re confident that once the overwhelming evidence of this law’s cruelty and unconstitutionality is presented, the court will vindicate the rights of all North Dakotans, including young transgender people, to access the health care they need." New rules could reshape foster care in North Dakota Plaintiffs in the case are looking to block a state law that prohibits gender-affirming care for transgender and nonbinary youth. The law criminalizes the provision of hormone therapy and puberty blockers to transgender and nonbinary young people, even though the same services are legal for cisgender youth. Doctors face penalties including up to 360 days in jail and $3,000 in fines for providing this care to transgender patients. "Politicians have no place in deeply personal health care decisions and we are pleased our challenge is going to trial," said Tanya Pellegrini, senior counsel at the Lawyering Project. "North Dakota has no business banning science-based health care, and we are proud to continue to stand with these bold, brave families." According to the press release, major medical organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association (AMA), endorse age-appropriate gender-affirming care. Research from the AMA indicates that this type of care can reduce depression by 60% and can lower self-harm and suicide risks by 73%. To learn more about the case, click here. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW