During a recent stroll through a mall with my wife, we came across a young mother seated with her baby. The child appeared warm, safe, and serene nestled against her. My wife and I exchanged smiles, and I remarked to her, “Do you remember those days?”

As parents of three now-adult daughters, we found this moment particularly relatable. For me, being a father is both the most rewarding and challenging role one can have. It involves endless love, a strong protective instinct, and a commitment to support and guide my children to ensure they and their future families can thrive.

My daughters are exceptional individuals—each talented, inventive, and cherished. One of them is transgender, but that is merely a small part of who she is. She leads a busy life as a college student, enjoying friendships, learning, exploring, and living fully.

Unfortunately, the growing divisions and battles over transgender rights risk tearing our nation apart.

Supreme Court to address transgender healthcare case

This Wednesday, the Supreme Court will hear significant arguments in the case U.S. v. Skrmetti concerning transgender healthcare. The core issue involves Tennessee’s prohibition of puberty blockers and hormone therapies for transgender youth, which are allowed for cisgender youth.

Essentially, this case examines whether the government and politicians can intrude and dictate healthcare decisions that should remain private between doctors, patients, and their caregivers.

My family is much like yours. We reside in a suburb near Philadelphia, where our weekends often revolved around our children’s activities such as soccer, cheerleading, and community theater performances.

When our kids are home, we cherish family time playing cards, binge-watching movies, and pampering our beloved dog, Scotch.

While my daughter’s transgender identity is just one aspect of her, it doesn’t encompass her whole being. Like any young adult, she should concentrate on her education and future rather than being used as a political pawn by lawmakers.

Just like that young mother at the mall, it’s my duty to protect the well-being of all my children; this parental instinct remains even as they reach adulthood.

For my transgender daughter, this concern intensifies as it includes ensuring she gets the healthcare necessary for her well-being. The fear of being unable to provide essential medical care for a child is daunting for any parent. Healthcare for transgender individuals is just as critical as basic medical treatment—it’s vital for their survival and overall health, regardless of age.

The recent election cycle has shone a harsh light on transgender individuals, who make up roughly 1% of our population. Sadly, they have been unfairly targeted and blamed for broader societal challenges, mirroring past discrimination.

As someone with Jewish heritage and a background in history, I recognize the dangers of dehumanizing minority groups to gain political leverage.

The historical parallels to the targeting of Jewish people in the 1930s are deeply concerning.

Tennessee law discriminates against transgender youth

The Skrmetti case highlights the discrimination against transgender and nonbinary youth by restricting their access to crucial health services.

If upheld, the ruling could have widespread repercussions, potentially opening the door for discrimination against others, including those with preexisting conditions, immigrants, or various ethnic groups.

The United States was built on a foundation of shared rights and freedoms. When we begin to take away the rights of any group, we risk undermining the very principles that unite us. My daughter, and others like her, should not live in fear of traveling due to conflicting and discriminatory laws, worrying about which restroom to use, or anxiously anticipating whether they will receive medical care if they fall ill or get injured.

I call on the Supreme Court and all Americans to recognize the real-life consequences that arise from banning healthcare for transgender individuals. These issues are not merely legal disputes; they are profoundly personal, affecting countless individuals and families.

As fellow citizens, we should unite in our efforts to protect the rights and dignity of our community members.

It is crucial to ensure that everyone, especially children, can live freely and safely while obtaining the essential medical care they require.