Trump Signs Executive Order to Halt Federal Support for Gender Transition Services
The president’s directive seeks to overturn policies from the Biden administration that support ‘gender-affirming care’ for those under 19 years old.
The Tuesday-issued order halts any federal funding for such surgeries.
“Therefore, it is the policy of the United States not to fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another, and it will strictly enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these harmful and life-changing procedures,” the order asserts.
Trump’s order highlights the risks associated with “chemical and surgical mutilation,” particularly the administration of puberty blockers and any processes intended to modify a person’s physical form to match a gender identity that differs from their biological sex.
The document notes that many minors do not fully comprehend the repercussions of their choice to pursue gender transitions.
“Numerous children subsequently regret being mutilated and come to understand the tragic reality that they will not be able to conceive their own children or breastfeed,” the order expressed.
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The executive order also references the potential for “lifelong medical expenses” arising from such surgeries.
Trump instructed federally-managed insurance programs, including TRICARE and Medicaid, to eliminate coverage for “gender-affirming care,” directed the Department of Justice to pursue legal and legislative avenues to challenge the practice, and targeted federally-funded hospitals and universities that provide such care.
Additionally, Trump has instructed the secretary of health and human services to undertake any necessary regulatory steps to stop gender transition surgeries.
Lawmakers have voiced support for Trump’s recent executive action.
Some advocacy groups have denounced the order as a “blatant attempt to insert politicians between individuals and their healthcare providers.”
The order seeks to dismantle Biden-era initiatives that allocated federal funding for transgender-related research and surgeries.