ACPeds Applauds the SCOTUS Decision to Protect the Freedom of Speech and Rights of Conscience in Counseling Practices

For Immediate Release
March 31, 2026

For More Informatio Contact:
connect@acpeds.org

ACPeds Applauds the SCOTUS Decision to Protect the Freedom of Speech and Rights of Conscience in Counseling Practices

Atlanta, GA – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 8–1 in support of Kaley Chiles, a licensed therapist, ruling that Colorado’s ban on talk therapy discriminates against her expression of freedom of speech and rights of conscience. This decision is a huge win for the freedom of speech and will allow Kaley and other medical professionals to freely continue practicing talk therapy for minors and adults struggling with sex-identity distress

The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) played a role in supporting Kaley by filing an amicus brief and attending the oral arguments in October 2025.

Dr. Jill Simons, ACPeds Executive Director, has expressed her support for the  SCOTUS decision:

“ACPeds thanks the U.S. Supreme Court Justices for protecting free speech and protecting counselors’ right to practice according to their conscience. We believe that states should not have the ability to impose censorship on any medical professional that does not align with the state’s ideological principles.

We hope this decision will set a major shift in the advancement of talk therapy, a much safer and stable approach to treating children with sex-identity distress as opposed to harmful chemical and surgical sex-rejecting interventions.”

Dr. Michael Artigues, ACPeds president, adds:

“We applaud the U.S. Supreme Court for their 8–1 decision to uphold Kaley Chiles’ freedom of speech. ACPeds has long been an advocate in the protection of the health care conscience of medical professionals, and today’s victory is a great step in that direction.

As experts in pediatric medicine, we support and stand by those medical professionals who are doing what is Best for Children.”

ACPeds has been at the forefront of providing information concerning sex-identity distress in youth at biologicalintegrity.org, including the mental health aspects.

To arrange an interview with Dr. Jill Simons or Dr. Michael Artigues of ACPeds please contact connect@acpeds.org.

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About the American College of Pediatricians

The American College of Pediatricians is a national organization of pediatricians and other healthcare professionals dedicated to the health and well-being of children.  For more information, please visit: acpeds.org.