The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has unveiled a series of regulatory proposals that could effectively ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors. These sweeping measures, building on previous Trump administration actions, target puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgical interventions for young people.

The proposals include cutting off federal Medicaid and Medicare funding from hospitals that provide such care to children. This move would significantly impact access in approximately two dozen states where gender-affirming treatments are currently legal and covered by Medicaid, a program funded by both federal and state dollars.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated at a press conference that these procedures are “not medicine, it is malpractice” and “sex-rejecting procedures rob children of their futures.” These remarks frame the administration’s stance against medical interventions for gender dysphoria in minors.

These proposed actions run counter to the recommendations of most major U.S. medical organizations. Advocates for transgender youth have strongly refuted the administration’s claims, warning that these changes could put young lives at risk and limit essential healthcare access.

Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen of The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth, described the proposals as a “one-size-fits-all mandate from the federal government” on decisions best made between a doctor and patient. He emphasized the troubling nature of federal efforts to strip transgender and nonbinary youth of necessary healthcare.

While the proposals are not yet final and must undergo a lengthy rulemaking process, including public comment, they are expected to face legal challenges. Nonetheless, they are likely to further intimidate healthcare providers, many of whom have already reduced or ceased offering gender-affirming care in anticipation of federal action.

Nearly all U.S. hospitals participate in Medicare and Medicaid, the federal government’s largest health insurance programs. Losing access to these substantial payments would create severe financial peril for most healthcare facilities and medical providers nationwide.

Similar funding restrictions would also apply to the State Children’s Health Insurance Program for individuals under 19. Additionally, the HHS Office of Civil Rights is proposing a rule to exclude gender dysphoria from the definition of a disability.

In a related development, the Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters to companies marketing chest-binding vests and other equipment used by individuals with gender dysphoria. The FDA stated these items can only be legally marketed for FDA-approved medical uses, such as post-mastectomy recovery.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, characterized transgender treatments as “a Band-Aid on a much deeper pathology,” suggesting children with gender dysphoria are “confused, lost and need help.” This viewpoint aligns with some public opinion, with a recent AP-NORC survey indicating about half of U.S. adults approve of the administration’s handling of transgender issues.

Conservative activist Chloe Cole, who has spoken about her gender transition reversal, expressed gratitude, stating that cries for help from individuals like herself have “finally been heard.” However, this approach directly conflicts with guidance from major medical bodies like the American Medical Association, which urges states not to restrict gender dysphoria care.

Dr. Jamila Perritt, president and CEO of Physicians for Reproductive Health, criticized the administration’s actions as an attempt to “strongarm hospitals into participating in the administration’s anti-LGBTQ agenda.” She described it as a “lose-lose situation where lives are inevitably on the line.”

Read Original

Keywords: transgender care minors, gender affirming care ban, Trump administration health policy, Medicaid Medicare funding, transgender youth rights, gender dysphoria treatment, federal health regulations, LGBTQ youth healthcare