Dallas Doctor Sued Over Transgender Care Surrenders License
DALLAS – A Dallas physician involved in a lawsuit challenging Texas’ ban on gender-affirming care for minors has surrendered her medical license, according to court filings and statements from involved parties. Dr. Anna lau’s license was effectively relinquished as she and another physician, Dr. Cooper, entered into Rule 11 agreements with the Texas Attorney General’s office preventing them from practicing medicine while legal proceedings continue.
The lawsuit,filed by Attorney General Ken Paxton,alleges violations of Senate Bill 14 (SB 14),wich mandates the Texas Medical Board revoke the license of any physician who provides gender-affirming care to minors. Dr. Lau had maintained the court lacked jurisdiction over her and that the venue of the case – the county where Paxton resides but where she did not practice – was legally invalid.
Dr. Lau specializes in adolescent female and male sexual and reproductive health, including gender dysphoria, and was formerly an associate professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, where she is no longer listed on the website. UT Southwestern has not commented on the matter.
The case is slated to go to trial in May. Dr. Cooper’s legal team has expressed concern that continued public statements from the state could prejudice potential jurors.
Advocacy groups report Dr. Lau’s departure is part of a growing trend of doctors specializing in gender-affirming care leaving Texas, creating obstacles for those seeking such care, including adults.
“When the government is consistently attacking services that are specifically provided to trans people, it emboldens … a small group of anti trans vigilantes to harass people on the streets, in the bathrooms, at the doctor’s office,” said Johnathan Gooch of Equality Texas. “And that’s really alarming and really scary for trans people in the state of Texas right now.”
Texas Values, a conservative institution, praised the Attorney General’s action, stating, “We’re grateful for the Texas Attorney General’s leadership in protecting kids from these harmful treatments and procedures.”
For mental health support for LGBTQ youth, call the Trevor Project’s 24/7 toll-free support line at 866-488-7386. For trans peer support, call the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860. You can also reach a trained crisis counselor through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
