
A legal battle in Texas brings Dr. May C. Lau into the spotlight, facing charges for allegedly defying Senate Bill 14’s prohibition on gender-affirming care for minors.
At a Glance
- Dr. May C. Lau is accused of illegally prescribing cross-sex hormones to minors.
- Senate Bill 14 prohibits surgeries, puberty blockers, and hormone therapies for gender transition in children.
- The lawsuit against Dr. Lau is the first of its kind in Texas.
- Dr. Lau could face severe penalties, including civil fines and license revocation.
- Attorney General Ken Paxton seeks to enforce the state’s ban.
Texas’ Legal Action Against Dr. Lau
The state of Texas initiated legal proceedings against Dr. May C. Lau, a Dallas-based physician, for allegedly violating Senate Bill 14 by supplying sex change chemicals to minors. This law, enacted to stop surgeries, puberty blockers, and hormone therapies for transitioning children’s biological sex, positions Texas as firmly opposed to gender-affirming care for minors. Dr. Lau faces accusations of deception, risking significant penalties like civil fines and potential loss of her medical license.
Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the lawsuit, filed in Collin County, emphasizing its objective of safeguarding minors from what he describes as scientifically unproven medical interventions. This case marks the state’s first attempt under the recent law to penalize a practitioner allegedly administering prohibited care. Texas authorities assert Dr. Lau prescribed testosterone to 22 minors, contravening legal restrictions.
NEW: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing Dr. May C. Lau of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas for violating SB 14, the state prohibition on pediatric "gender-affirming care," and for violating state consumer protection laws. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/QPNfKmXfgJ
— Leor Sapir (@LeorSapir) October 17, 2024
Violation Allegations and Legal Ramifications
Allegations against Dr. Lau include falsifying medical records and scheming to deceive pharmacies and insurers. The lawsuit claims she prescribed testosterone before the law’s enactment date, ensuring prescriptions were filled afterward. It’s argued she misrepresented such prescriptions as treatments for endocrine disorders, thus misleading insurance providers.
If found guilty, Dr. Lau may face injunctions and fines up to $10,000 per violation. These allegations also describe her as a ‘radical gender activist’ and suggest a potential revocation of her medical license, reflecting the seriousness of the accusations. Despite these charges, neither the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center nor Dr. Lau have provided comments.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Debate
This case emerges as part of a broader legislative trend where at least 26 states have enacted similar bans, though many face judicial challenges. Proponents of these laws argue they protect children from unsafe and experimental treatments, while opponents advocate for children’s rights to gender-affirming care. As Texas families and organizations challenge these laws, the state Supreme Court’s decision has upheld Senate Bill 14.
The lawsuit against Dr. Lau highlights the profound tension between legislative intent and medical advocacy, amidst wider political discourse. As states grapple with such complex issues, the final outcomes may significantly impact how gender dysphoria is addressed in minors across the nation.