Texas Court Allows Detransitioner Lawsuit Against Therapist to Proceed

A Texas appeals court ruled that a lawsuit filed by a woman who underwent a double mastectomy can move forward against her former therapist and the therapist's employer. The plaintiff, identified as Soren Aldaco, alleged that the therapist signed a recommendation letter for the surgery despite not having treated her for gender dysphoria.

The suit claims the recommendation contributed to irreversible physical changes. Lower courts had dismissed the case, citing the two-year statute of limitations. The appeals court held that the filing deadline began at the time of the surgery rather than the date of the recommendation letter.

Aldaco stated that the surgery resulted in excessive bruising, swelling, and the use of surgical drains. She said clinic staff were evasive during recovery. The complaint asserts that the therapist overlooked other mental health conditions when approving the procedure. The suit seeks damages for negligence and fraud.

The appeals court decision reverses prior dismissals and allows the case to continue in trial court. The ruling applies to practitioners who approve medical procedures as well as those who perform them. The case is scheduled for further proceedings in the trial court.