AUSTIN — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is celebrating legal victories after two doctors agreed to stop practicing medicine on patients amid lawsuits over alleged violations of the state’s ban on gender-transition treatment for minors. A third doctor awaits trial.
Dr. May Lau and Dr. Brett Cooper, both adolescent health specialists, and Dr. Hector Granados, an endocrinologist, were sued in late 2024 for allegedly prescribing puberty blockers and testosterone to minors, a violation of Senate Bill 14.
Paxton accused Lau of treating at least 21 minors and falsifying records to conceal prescriptions, while Cooper allegedly provided similar care to 15 minors. Both doctors, who are affiliated with the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children’s Medical Center Dallas,In January, Lau and Cooper agreed to Rule 11 agreements restricting them from practicing medicine on patients, though they may continue working in research, administrative, and academic roles. These agreements remain in effect unless superseded by a court order or terminated by either party.
Children’s Health, the medical system employing both doctors, stated, “Our top priority is the health and well-being of our patients. Children’s Health follows and adheres to all state health care laws.”
While Texas law prohibits such gender-transition procedures for minors, it remains legal for patients of any age to receive similar treatments for conditions like precocious puberty.
Granados is under a temporary injunction preventing him from prescribing puberty blockers, testosterone, or estrogen to minors. His attorney, Mark Bracken, stated that Granados has complied with the law and agreed to the injunction to demonstrate transparency. His case is set for trial on October 28.
“I will enforce the law to the fullest extent to prevent any doctor from providing these dangerous drugs to kids,” Paxton said in a news release.
The AG’s office hailed the legal developments as a significant win, stating in a press release that the agreements prevent the doctors from violating Texas law while the lawsuits proceed. The release also referenced a recent executive order by President Donald Trump targeting transgender procedures for minors.
Texas law requires the Texas Medical Board to revoke the licenses of physicians who violate the ban, but it allows doctors to continue treating existing patients to ensure a safe and medically appropriate transition off prescribed medications.
While critics argue that such restrictions harm transgender youth, Paxton maintains that enforcing the law is necessary to protect children. The legal battle is expected to continue in the months ahead.
