The Vulnerable Child Compassion and Protection Act (VCCPA) Sunday went into effect in Alabama while US District Judge Liles Burke considers legal challenges from doctors and families with transgender children.

Plaintiffs sought an injunction against the VCCPA in April 2022, alleging that the law violates their 14th Amendment Rights and strips them of the right to make important decisions about their children’s healthcare. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) intervened in the lawsuit later that month. The DOJ also alleged 14th Amendment violations. The plaintiffs motioned for a temporary restraining order and injunction on April 21. Medical associations submitted statements of support and a brief in support of the plaintiffs’ motion. After a two-day hearing, Judge Burke will decide whether or not to grant the plaintiff’s motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.

The VCCPA, signed into law by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on April 8, 2022, prohibits persons from “engag[ing] in or caus[ing]” the prescription or administration of puberty-blocking medication, testosterone or estrogen hormones, surgeries that sterilize, sex reassignment surgeries to genitalia and chest reconstruction surgery if such “practice is performed for the purpose of attempting to alter the appearance of or affirm the minor’s perception of his or her gender or sex if that appearance or perception is inconsistent with the minor’s sex as defined in this act.” Conviction under the Act is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to $15,000.00.