U.S. President Trump has issued an executive order prohibiting federal support for gender-affirming medical treatments for individuals under 19, directing agencies to halt funding and coverage for such procedures.
On January 28, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at ceasing federal support for gender-affirming care for minors. The order mandates that federal agencies ensure hospitals and institutions receiving federal funding discontinue offering treatments such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgeries to individuals under the age of 19.
The directive instructs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and publish new guidelines for caring for minors with gender dysphoria within 90 days. Additionally, it calls for the Department of Defense to begin the process of excluding gender-affirming care from TRICARE coverage and directs the Department of Justice to prioritize enforcement against female genital mutilation and to investigate the disclosure of side effects associated with gender-affirming care. Starting in 2026, federal employee health insurance plans are also required to exclude coverage for such care.
Critics have raised concerns about the order, noting that it contrasts with the generally accepted medical guidelines set by major medical institutions. For instance, the American Medical Association supports access to gender-affirming care for minors. However, a recent review in the United Kingdom has suggested caution in treating minors, indicating that more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of such treatments.
This executive order is part of a broader effort by the administration to restrict access to gender-affirming care for minors, reflecting ongoing debates about the role of government in regulating medical treatments for transgender youth. The order has been met with both support and opposition from various advocacy groups, highlighting the contentious nature of this issue in contemporary policy discussions.
