President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday prohibiting gender-affirming medical treatments for children and teenagers under the age of 19, marking a significant policy shift in federal regulations on transgender healthcare. The move, which follows a series of recent executive actions targeting transgender rights, is expected to have far-reaching consequences for healthcare providers, patients, and government-funded programs.
The directive explicitly states that the federal government will not “fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support” gender-affirming care for minors, citing concerns about long-term health effects, potential regret, and the financial burden of medical interventions.
Details of the Executive Order
Prohibition of Federal Support: The order stipulates that the federal government will no longer “fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support” gender-affirming treatments for minors.
Impact on Healthcare Coverage: Coverage for pediatric gender-affirming care will be excluded from federal health programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and benefits programs for federal and U.S. Postal Service employees, potentially affecting access to these treatments for many families.
Criticism of Medical Practices: President Trump explicitly condemned healthcare providers involved in these procedures, labelling the practice as “a dangerous trend” that “will be a stain on our Nation’s history.” His remarks indicate a strong stance against these medical interventions for minors.
Legislative and Policy Changes: The order also mandates changes to or the elimination of policies that rely on guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Institutions receiving federal grants for research or education are directed to cease providing gender-affirming care to children.
Broader Context
This executive action follows another signed on Monday, which bans transgender individuals from serving openly in the U.S. military, signalling a broader policy shift against transgender rights within federal institutions.
On his first day back in office, Trump signed an order limiting federal recognition of gender to only male and female, aiming to dismantle what the administration labels as “gender ideology extremism.”
In alignment with Trump’s promise to reduce federal spending, a memo from the Office of Management and Budget also announced a halt on various federal grant programs, adding to the confusion and frustration among many sectors, including healthcare.
Legal and Administrative Actions
The order extends to state attorneys general, urging them to collaborate on enforcing laws against practices like female genital mutilation, which the administration is now associating with gender-affirming care. The Department of Health and Human Services has been given 90 days to assess how best to assist children with gender dysphoria, with agency leaders required to submit progress reports within 60 days.
Reactions
The executive order has polarised opinions. Critics argue it will endanger the mental and physical health of transgender youth, potentially increasing rates of depression and suicide among those affected. Conversely, supporters of the order view it as a protective measure for minors, emphasising potential long-term health risks and regrets associated with these treatments.
This order, coupled with recent administrative actions, continues to stoke the debate over transgender rights, healthcare, and the role of government in personal medical decisions, setting the stage for further legal and political battles as the administration moves forward with its agenda.
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