In a dramatic escalation of the debate over transgender rights, the Trump administration has launched a nationwide effort to restrict gender-affirming care for minors.
On January 28, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14187, titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation.”
The sweeping order blocks federal funding for gender-affirming procedures such as hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and surgeries for individuals under the age of 19. The administration claims these treatments are harmful and sets the stage for a contentious battle over medical practices.
Several states have immediately mobilized against the executive order. A coalition of 16 states and Washington, D.C., filed a lawsuit, arguing that the federal government is overstepping its authority and infringing on state rights. Meanwhile, medical institutions have begun halting or scaling back gender-affirming care for minors, worried about the potential loss of federal funding and the threat of legal repercussions.
This move aligns with the broader trend across the country, as 27 states have already passed laws restricting access to gender-affirming care for youth. These measures have ignited fierce debate about medical ethics, parental rights, and the role of government in shaping healthcare decisions.
As the legal challenges mount, the future of transgender healthcare for minors hangs in the balance, with both sides digging in for a long, drawn-out confrontation.
Trump administration has launched a nationwide effort to restrict gender-affirming care for minors.
