Trump admin sued by 19 states over declaration to restrict gender transition treatment for minors

A group of 19 Democrat-led states and Washington, D.C. have taken legal action against the Trump administration over a recent declaration that aims to restrict gender transition treatment for minors. The lawsuit, filed in Eugene, Oregon, targets the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, its secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and its inspector general.

The declaration, issued last week, characterized treatments such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender surgeries as unsafe and ineffective for children experiencing gender dysphoria. It also warned healthcare providers that they could face exclusion from federal health programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, if they provide these treatments to minors.

This move stems from President Donald Trump’s executive order in January, which directed HHS to protect children from what he called “chemical and surgical mutilation.” HHS has also proposed new rules to further restrict gender transition treatment for minors, although these rules are still in the process of being finalized.

The lawsuit argues that the declaration is both inaccurate and unlawful, and seeks to prevent its enforcement. New York Attorney General Letitia James, who led the lawsuit, stated that Secretary Kennedy cannot unilaterally change medical standards and that individuals should not lose access to medically necessary healthcare due to government interference.

The declaration was based on a peer-reviewed report conducted by the department earlier this year, which recommended a greater emphasis on behavioral therapy over broad gender transition treatment for minors with gender dysphoria. However, major medical groups and physicians who treat transgender children have criticized the report as inaccurate.

In response to the declaration, HHS also announced two proposed federal rules to cut off federal funding from hospitals that offer gender transition treatment to children and to block federal Medicaid money from being used for these procedures. These proposals are still in the rulemaking process and have not been finalized.

Since Trump’s return to office, several major medical providers have scaled back on gender transition treatment for youths, even in states where the procedures are legally permitted. Medicaid programs in nearly half of the states currently cover gender transition treatment, but at least 27 states have implemented laws restricting or banning these treatments.

The lawsuit has garnered support from Democrat attorneys general from various states as well as Pennsylvania’s Democratic governor. The legal battle over gender transition treatment for minors is likely to continue as both sides push for their respective positions to be upheld.