US Supreme Court Blocks Trump Administration's Restrictions on Transgender Inmate Healthcare

The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday dealt a major blow to President Donald Trump's administration. The court refused to allow immediate enforcement of restrictions on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender inmates in federal prisons. At the same time, the lower court order that blocked the policy for the time being will remain in place. The legal battle in the case will continue. The Supreme Court rejected the Justice Department's emergency appeal seeking to overturn the lower court order. The court did not give a reason for the decision in its brief order. However, conservative Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented. The Trump administration implemented the policy in February. It banned medical and surgical treatment associated with gender transitions in federal prisons. In addition, social facilities such as clothing and hair removal devices that inmates use to conform to their gender identity, three Florida-based psychiatric services, and three transgender schools in New Jersey were closed.