President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Protecting Children From Chemical and Surgical Mutilation,” aimed at restricting access to gender-affirming medical care for minors, defined as those under 19. The order prohibits federal funding for such care, restricts research and education grants, and directs the secretary of Health and Human Services to issue regulations to end this care. It also mandates federal agencies to rescind guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).
The order claims that medical professionals are harming children with irreversible medical interventions and traps them in lifelong complications. Lambda Legal, an LGBTQ advocacy group, plans to challenge the order, arguing that it denies transgender youth necessary health care.
Research shows that only a small percentage of minors access transition-related care. Most major medical associations support this care for minors. The executive order criticizes WPATH for lacking scientific integrity and directs the secretary of HHS to review literature on best practices for minors with gender dysphoria.
Studies have shown that transition-related care improves minors’ mental health and reduces suicides. However, the UK recently banned new prescriptions of puberty blockers for gender dysphoria treatment due to weak medical evidence. This move has faced criticism from researchers and activists.
Overall, the executive order has sparked controversy and opposition due to its perceived impact on transgender youth’s access to necessary medical care. It is seen as targeting a vulnerable group and denying them essential health services.
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