SCOTUS ruling sees media split over ‘gender-affirming care’: Bias Breakdown

Media outlets across the political spectrum are framing the Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold Tennessee’s ban on transgender medical procedures for minors in different ways, reflecting their political leanings. The coverage has split along ideological lines — with left-leaning and right-leaning outlets offering contrasting narratives and takeaways.

Split in terminology reveals a split in narrative

Left-leaning outlets such as CNN, CBS and MSNBC repeatedly used the phrase “gender-affirming care” in headlines and coverage, framing the ruling as a setback for transgender rights. In contrast, right-leaning outlets like Fox News, Breitbart and the Daily Wire referred to “sex change operations,” “gender transition treatments” and “transgender procedures” when discussing the Tennessee ban.

It was a clear pattern in left and right media coverage. The phrase “gender-affirming care” is a point of contention between the political left and right, and the same goes for the partisan media.

Breaking down ‘gender-affirming care’

AllSides, a media bias watchdog, highlights the term “gender-affirming care” as an example of word choice bias — where the language used by journalists can reveal underlying political perspectives. The phrase is commonly used by left-leaning outlets to describe medical interventions such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy and gender-related surgeries for minors.

However, right-leaning media often reject the term, arguing it implies affirmation and legitimacy of gender transition as a universally accepted medical approach.

AllSides notes that this split in terminology reflects a deeper ideological divide over whether these treatments are seen as affirming identity or altering biology — and the media’s chosen language often signals which side of that debate they align with.

Cherry-picked studies, partisan framing

The divide extends beyond headlines and word choice. Left- and right-leaning outlets cite contrasting studies — some highlighting the mental health benefits of treatments, others warning of long-term harm.

Each side’s reliance on different data illustrates how medical research is selectively used to support preexisting views. This is a form of media bias identified as slant and closely linked to bias by omission. 

Public opinion and political fallout

Polling data shows that a majority of Americans support restrictions on transgender athletes and gender-related treatments for minors.

According to The New York Times, even Democratic leaders appear to be recalibrating their positions in response to shifting public sentiment.

This episode of Bias Breakdown underscores how word choice, headline framing and selective sourcing all contribute to partisan divides in media coverage of sensitive social issues.