The recent move by the Trump administration to shut down gender-affirming care for youth across the country has sparked outrage and concern among many. The executive order, which directs agencies to ensure that hospitals and medical schools receiving federal research and education grants “end the chemical and surgical mutilation of children,” has already led to several hospitals and clinics canceling appointments or announcing restrictions to care for trans youth.
For many families, this decision has been devastating. Juan Carlos Perez, a father of a trans child, expressed his feelings of betrayal and frustration when he heard about the restrictions at his local hospital. His child, who has been receiving gender-affirming care for over three years, has seen significant improvement in their mental health and well-being. However, with the new restrictions, their access to care is now uncertain.
The situation is not unique to Perez’s family. Many other families are facing similar challenges, with some having their appointments canceled or postponed. The Los Angeles Times spoke with one family who had an appointment canceled, while another family had an appointment to replace a puberty blocker briefly canceled before it was reinstated.
Despite the challenges, many individuals and organizations are standing up against the Trump administration’s decision. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has put hospitals on notice that withholding access to care for trans youth could violate state law. A group of 14 Democratic state attorneys general has also issued a joint statement of support for protecting access to gender-affirming health care for trans youth.
The American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal, and several other LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations have filed a lawsuit arguing that Trump’s orders violate laws passed by Congress that bar hospitals that receive federal funding from discrimination on the basis of sex or transgender status. Many medical professionals, including Dr. Jeffrey Birnbaum, a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist, have also spoken out against the decision, stating that they will continue to provide gender-affirming care to young patients.
The fight for trans rights is far from over. With the Supreme Court expected to deliver a decision this summer on whether bans on care violate the Constitution, the future of access to gender-affirming care hangs in the balance. However, with the support of many individuals and organizations, there is hope that the rights of trans youth will be protected and that they will continue to have access to the care they need.
It is essential to recognize the importance of gender-affirming care for trans youth. A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that fewer than 1 in 1,000 U.S. adolescents with private insurance receive puberty blockers or hormone therapy. Despite this, the benefits of gender-affirming care are well-documented, with many trans youth experiencing significant improvements in their mental health and well-being when they receive the care they need.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial that we stand in solidarity with trans youth and their families. We must continue to speak out against the Trump administration’s decision and advocate for the rights of trans individuals. By doing so, we can help ensure that all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, have access to the care and support they need to thrive.