In a significant development regarding gender-affirming medical care in Texas, pediatrician May Lau has surrendered her medical license, following a year-long battle over her prescription of testosterone to minors. This marks a pivotal case as she became the first target under a controversial Texas law that restricts the provision of gender-transitioning hormones to minors.
The legal troubles for Dr. Lau began in October 2022, when Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against her, claiming she had prescribed testosterone to at least 21 patients between the ages of 14 and 17. This case was initiated under Senate Bill 14, a 2023 law prohibiting healthcare providers from administering hormones for the purpose of gender transition in minors.
Recently, records from the Texas Medical Board indicated that Lau’s medical license had been “cancelled by request” earlier this month. In a statement provided to The Texas Tribune, Lau maintained her innocence, stating, “Dr. Lau decided to move her medical practice to Oregon and saw no reason to continue to maintain her Texas license.” Her attorney, Craig Smyser, emphasized that Lau continues to reject the allegations presented by the Texas Attorney General, characterizing them as politically motivated.
Paxton expressed triumph over Lau’s decision to surrender her license, labeling it “a major victory for our state.” He firmly asserted, “Doctors who permanently hurt kids by giving them experimental drugs are nothing more than disturbed left-wing activists who have no business being in the medical field.” His statement underscored his resolve to hold accountable those who attempt to transition minors, highlighting a broader state effort against gender-affirming healthcare.
The lawsuit against Lau included serious accusations, including claims that she falsified medical records and billing procedures. Paxton charged that Lau incorrectly coded a procedure involving a puberty blocker device for a 15-year-old patient, billing insurance for an endocrine disorder rather than addressing the patient’s gender dysphoria. Alongside the $1 million in civil penalties sought from Lau, additional legal actions were also pursued against two other doctors for similar allegations.
The situation suggests a growing trend among medical professionals specializing in gender-affirming care leaving Texas. Following Lau’s departure, the state quietly dropped a lawsuit against another physician, Hector Granados, who had already ceased providing gender-affirming care before Senate Bill 14’s enactment. The remaining case against another Dallas pediatrician, Brett Cooper, is anticipated to go to trial in May 2024, with both Cooper and Lau temporarily barred from practicing during ongoing legal proceedings.
The ramifications of these legal actions extend beyond individual practitioners. Community members, including Johnathan Gooch from Equality Texas, expressed concerns about the chilling effect such legislation and cases have on access to gender-affirming care. Gooch specifically noted the financial and practical hurdles that are emerging as a result, which not only affect minors but also adults seeking such care in Texas.
“The attacks on services for transgender individuals embolden anti-trans groups to escalate their harassment,” Gooch stated. He characterized this environment as alarmingly hostile for transgender individuals navigating healthcare in Texas today.
Further commenting on the matter, Jonathan Covey of Texas Values praised the legal actions taken against Lau, arguing that they are essential in protecting children from potentially harmful medical interventions. In the current cultural landscape, where tensions surrounding gender identity and healthcare continue to rise, the fallout from these legal confrontations is likely to resonate for some time.
Through it all, Dr. Lau continues to assert her legal standing, arguing that the court did not have authority over her, especially in the jurisdiction cited by the Attorney General for the lawsuit. Her allegations raise questions regarding the validity of the venue of the lawsuit considering her practice location and the nature of these judicial actions in Texas.
As the legal battlefield unfolds, the implications for healthcare providers, patients, and the broader conversation surrounding gender-affirming care remain intensely debated. With ongoing legal disputes and shifting policies, the future of transgender healthcare in Texas appears tenuous at best.
image source from：kwtx
