Department of Health and Human Services Revises Definitions for Female and Male
The update follows President Donald Trump’s signing of an executive order in January aimed at ‘protecting women from gender ideology extremism.’
This action is among the first taken by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after his confirmation last week.
The order asserted, in part, that the Trump administration “will uphold women’s rights and safeguard freedom of conscience by employing clear and precise language and policies that affirm women are biologically female, and men are biologically male.”
The new HHS guidance reinforces the Trump administration’s position that male and female are the sole two sexes and that these cannot be altered.
In particular, it defines “sex” as “a person’s immutable biological designation as either male or female.”
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Female is described as “a person of the sex characterized by a reproductive system with the biological capacity to produce eggs,” while male is defined as “a person of the sex characterized by a reproductive system with the biological capacity to produce sperm.”
A woman is defined as “an adult human female,” and a man is defined as “an adult human male,” according to the guidance.
A mother is characterized as a female parent, while a father is described as a male parent.
The HHS plans to implement these definitions and advance policies affirming that “women are biologically female and men are biologically male,” as specified in the guidance.
Athlete Riley Gaines Praises Trump’s ‘Clarity, Decisiveness’
Gaines, a consistent advocate for such a ban, expresses gratitude to Trump in the video for his prompt actions to safeguard female athletes.
“The clarity and decisiveness of this administration sends a powerful and unequivocal message to women and girls nationwide that we are valued,” Gaines stated.
“In health care, distinctions based on sex can affect disease presentation, diagnosis, and treatment in distinct ways for females and males,” Fink remarked in a statement. “HHS acknowledges that biological differences between females and males necessitate sex-specific practices in medicine and research to foster optimal health outcomes.”
This latest guidance signifies a shift away from the previous administration’s approach to gender identity.
Reuters contributed to this report.
