Where state laws stand in 2026, and what it means for your care

In 2020, no state banned best-practice medical care for transgender youth. By July 2026, 27 states and Puerto Rico did. At the same time, other states passed new protections. The Movement Advancement Project calls it "uneven ground."

Restrictions are reaching adults

MAP reports that bans have grown beyond youth care to reach adults too, through limits on public funding like Medicaid and state employee health plans, often regardless of age.

Religious refusal laws

The number of states with laws letting medical providers refuse care that conflicts with their religious beliefs tripled, from 4 to 12. These laws can make it harder to know in advance whether a provider will treat you.

How people are feeling

In a 2025 MAP survey, 73% of LGBTQ+ adults said state politics had harmed their well-being. Among transgender and nonbinary adults, it was 84%.

What you can do

• Look up your state. MAP's equality maps show current laws state by state.
• Keep copies of your records and prescriptions, especially if you might need care in another state. See what's private and what isn't.
• Know where to get help. Groups like Lambda Legal and the ACLU track these laws and can help if your rights are violated.
• Find your people. Local LGBTQ+ centers often know which providers are still safe. See how to find peer support.

Laws change often. Check a current source for your state before making decisions.