Texas Pediatrician surrenders License Amidst First case Under Gender-Transitioning Ban for Minors
A Dallas pediatrician has voluntarily surrendered her medical license, marking a significant growth in the legal battle surrounding Senate Bill 14 – Texas legislation prohibiting gender-transitioning hormones for minors. Dr.May Lau became the first physician targeted under the 2023 law when Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against her last October, alleging she prescribed testosterone to at least 21 patients aged 14 to 17.
According to the Texas Medical Board, Dr. Lau requested the cancellation of her license earlier this month. Her attorney, Craig Smyser, stated that Dr. Lau intends to relocate her medical practice to Oregon and sees no necessity to maintain her Texas license, firmly denying the “politically- and ideologically-driven allegations” leveled by the Attorney General’s office.
The lawsuit accused Dr. Lau of violating SB 14 by authorizing testosterone prescriptions for adolescents seeking to transition their biological gender or affirm their gender identity. attorney General Paxton hailed Dr. lau’s surrender as “a major victory for our state,” asserting that those who provide these treatments to children are “disturbed left-wing activists” who are unfit to practice medicine and vowed to continue holding those who provide gender-affirming care to minors accountable.
Paxton’s accusations extended beyond a violation of SB 14, alleging Dr. Lau engaged in fraudulent practices, including falsifying medical records and billing irregularities related to a 15-year-old patient. He initially sought $1 million in civil penalties and associated costs.
This case is one of several brought by Paxton under SB 14. Similar claims were filed against El Paso endocrinologist Hector Granados and Dallas pediatrician Brett Cooper.Though, the state quietly dropped the suit against Dr. Granados last September after determining he had ceased providing gender-affirming care to minors prior to the law’s enactment.
Dr. Cooper’s case remains