BISMARCK, N.D. (North Dakota Monitor) – A pediatric endocrinologist said one of his patients attempted suicide after learning North Dakota had criminalized gender-affirming care for minors.

Brittany Stewart, right, delivers the opening statement for the plaintiffs at the beginning of a trial over North Dakota’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors on Monday. Jess Braverman, another attorney for the plaintiffs, is shown at left.

Attorneys will debate whether a 2023 law banning gender-affirming treatment for anyone under 18 violates personal autonomy and equal protection rights under the state constitution.

A North Dakota father told a judge on Wednesday that he feels state lawmakers were acting out of ignorance when they passed the state’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. North Dakota in 2023 made it a crime for health care professionals to provide the treatments,

Testimony continued Tuesday as plaintiffs seek to overturn North Dakota’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors. Medical experts for the plaintiffs seek to explain the harmful repercussions that could affect minors affected by gender dysphoria and going through transgender health issues.