Supreme Court sets Dec. 4 for arguments on gender-affirming care ban

• The arguments in the high-profile case will play out just a month after Election Day, with a decision expected in the opening months of the next president's term.

State of play: More than two dozen states have passed bans on gender-affirming care, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

• Courts have blocked the restrictions from taking effect in Arkansas and Montana, and challenges are playing out in 13 other states.
• A ruling in Tennessee's favor could open the door to more look-alike laws, with major implications for trans youths. Critics say the Tennessee law violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment.

Zoom out: Research shows that gender-affirming care significantly lowers depression and suicidality among kids. It's been endorsed by such medical groups as the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics endorse the treatments.

Go deeper: States are limiting gender-affirming care for adults, too