Detransitioner Soren Aldaco spoke on the steps of the Texas Capitol Wednesday morning prior to oral arguments in her medical malpractice case being heard before the Supreme Court of Texas.
During the press conference hosted by Protecting Texas Children (PTC), speakers highlighted the significance of Aldaco’s case.
Aldaco is seeking over $1 million in damages from a transgender clinic, claiming medical malpractice. The Court is currently considering whether her lawsuit was filed within the limitations period.
Press Conference
PTC President Vanessa Sivadge, a nurse who witnessed firsthand how transgender ideology has infiltrated the medical profession, stated that there is no area of medicine in which experimentation can be conducted without consequences and that “gender-affirming care” should be no different.
Aldaco expressed her commitment to ensuring that what happened to her does not happen to others.
In a legislative call to action, Aldaco argued that “detransition lawsuits must be carved out” from Texas’ Medical Liability Act (TMLA). “Let young people like me have our days in Court,” she said.
Daniel Sepulveda, Aldaco’s attorney, praised her for having the courage to bring this lawsuit—the first of its kind—paving the way for holding medical professionals accountable. He revealed that he has communicated with many potential clients with similar stories.
Sepulveda asserted that the facts in this case are compelling and “far from frivolous.”
State Rep. Tom Oliverson (R–Cypress), a doctor who authored a 2023 law effectively banning transgender medical procedures for minors, slammed his medical “colleagues” for prescribing irreversible treatment for mental health issues. He pointed out that although the law prevents future wrongs from occurring, those who already suffered still need justice.
Oliverson stated that medical professionals often make mistakes, but that it is important for them to own those mistakes and do everything in their power to correct them. He said this is not what happened in Aldaco’s case, highlighting that a central feature of gender medicine is that they “do not make mistakes.”
Vanessa Sivadge, Tom Oliverson, Soren Aldaco, Daniel Sepulveda
Oral Arguments
Wednesday’s oral arguments were heard before all nine justices of the Supreme Court of Texas.
As previously reported, arguments focused not on the merits of Aldaco’s case but on whether her lawsuit was filed within the two-year limitations period under the TMLA.
Aldaco contends the lawsuit was properly filed within two years of her “medical transition,” while defendants argue the limitations period began with a counselor’s letter first suggesting the surgery—a letter which was signed over two years before the time of filing.
The TMLA also includes a subsection that allows for a ten-year “absolute” cutoff date for filing lawsuits. Aldaco contends that her type of case is precisely why that subsection exists.
During oral arguments, the justices seemed to agree that a limitations period cannot begin before the plaintiff has suffered a tort—meaning a concrete injury that opens the door to civil liability.
The defendants’ argument claims the clock is ticking for victims to file suit before they have even suffered harm that allows them to do so.
When asked, the defendants could not provide a single example of a case in which this was true. The Court asked for them to try and find one.
Should the Court rule in Aldaco’s favor, the case will be remanded to the trial court to proceed on the merits.
Aldaco’s case has gained attention in recent weeks, with over 20 grassroots groups and organizations signing onto PTC’s coalition letter. Hundreds of individuals have signed the accompanying public petition demanding accountability and reform.
The Texas House of Representatives issued its own coalition letter in support of justice for Aldaco, spearheaded by Oliverson and State Rep. Shelby Slawson (R–Stephenville).
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