On January 31, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a controversial executive order aimed at cutting federal support for gender-affirming medical treatments for minors, sparking reactions nationwide.
The order stipulates federal funding will no longer support procedures such as puberty blockers, hormone therapies, or surgeries for individuals under the age of 19. It mandates the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reevaluate coverage under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act, effectively halting many forms of gender-affirming care for young people.
“It is the policy of the United States,” the order reads, “that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another.” This declaration has triggered significant backlash from advocates and medical professionals concerned about the wellbeing of transgender youth.
Major medical associations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, staunchly support gender-affirming care, recognizing it as life-saving treatment for transgender individuals. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of family and individual-specific counseling for those grappling with gender identity. Nevertheless, Trump characterized such treatments as dangerous, claiming they lead to irreversible changes and present serious risks to young individuals.
The directive directs federal agencies to rescind guidance based on World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) recommendations, deemed “junk science” by opponents of gender-affirming care. WPATH guidelines have long served as the global gold standard for gender-affirming medical practices, yet the Trump administration argues this approach lacks scientific credibility.
Registered with wide-ranging medical community concerns, Trump's order coincides with similar moves at state levels, where, according to the Movement Advancement Project, 26 states have already enacted laws limiting or banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors.
“The trend will lead to detrimental outcomes for young people seeking necessary medical care,” says Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, senior counsel and healthcare strategist for Lambda Legal, who plans to challenge the order legally. Lambda Legal has previously fought and won against attempts to restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare.
The immediate impact of the executive order has led major healthcare institutions across the country, including Denver Health and the Children’s Hospital of Richmond, to pause gender-affirming care as they seek clarity on how to comply with new federal restrictions. Denver Health confirmed it has stopped all gender-affirming surgeries for patients under 19, citing compliance with the new directive. Meanwhile, Children’s National Hospital also suspended hormone therapy and puberty blockers for young patients as it evaluated the ramifications of the order.
Sarah, a transgender student who wished to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, remarked, “It was expected he would sign something to ban care for minors, but the broader implication of shutting this down for those aged 18 and under is concerning.” With the order, advocates fear this approach may pave the way for similar restrictions on adults.
The conversation surrounding gender identity has become increasingly contentious. The Woodland Park School Board, for example, recently passed its own resolution recognizing only two biological sexes and rejecting “gender ideology.” Following Trump's executive order, the board emphasized this stance as necessary to safeguard federal funding for the district.
Opponents of the resolution spoke out, highlighting potential harm to LGBTQ+ youth. Joshua Smith, a community member, stated, “This resolution sends a clear message to our LGBTQIA+ students: you are not welcome, you are not valid, and you do not belong.” Research shows environments affirming these identities result in lower rates of suicidal ideation among transgender youth.
The controversy around gender-affirming care has also stirred fears of potential lawsuits against organizations non-compliant with the new mandates. Kevin Barkley, the lone board member against the Woodland Park resolution, questioned, “Why is this the most pressing issue when we have roof leaks, inadequate heating, and other pressing matters to focus on?”
Among the broader impacts of Trump's executive order will be the reshaping of public policy and the legal environment surrounding gender identity and expression. Healthcare institutions and advocates now brace for litigation against these policies, which seek to limit access to what many view as fundamental healthcare rights for transgender individuals.
This widespread reaction reflects not only concern over healthcare access but also fear for the rights and recognition of transgender people as society continues to grapple with issues of identity, acceptance, and science.
At its core, the fight extends beyond healthcare, delving deep within the social fabric of American society as the conversation shapes the future for LGBTQ+ youth and their communities.