Right now, the headlines are full of nonstop information about federal attacks on gender-affirming care access, and resulting clinic closures. We know that it can feel impossible to keep up with everything going on. We also know that this administration wants us overwhelmed, disconnected, and in the dark– so we are fighting back with accurate information and resources. Below, you will find the most up-to-dated information about federal attacks on gender-affirming care for youth, resources available to support impacted families, and what you can do to fight back against these attacks.
What Are the Federal Attacks on Care?
Two Federal Bills Two bills attacking youth gender-affirming care have passed the House and now head to the Senate. One bill from Representative Dan Crenshaw would ban Medicaid coverage for gender affirming care for youth. Another bill from former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene would ban gender-affirming care for youth nationally. The bill narrowly passed the House and will move to the Senate. Contact your Senator ASAP to urge them to vote NO on this bill.
Declaration on Youth Gender-Affirming Care from Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. On December 18, HHS released an unprecedented “declaration” that seeks to reject the established medical standard of care for transgender young people. HHS has attempted to use that declaration to threaten children’s hospitals with total exclusion from Medicare and Medicaid for providing medically necessary care to transgender young people. In response, more than 20 state Attorneys General filed a lawsuit a few days later, and they have been able to slow down the case: HHS has now agreed to stop enforcing the declaration while the lawsuit proceeds. The declaration will not be enforced until the spring at the earliest.
Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services Proposed Rules In addition to the declaration from HHS, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and HHS have issued two proposed rules that would severely limit youth gender-affirming care access. The first says hospitals that participate in federal insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare are banned from providing gender-affirming care for trans people under 18. Another says that families insured by Medicaid, Medicare, or CHIP cannot use their insurance to cover gender-affirming care. It is important to note: these are proposed rules. The public currently has an opportunity to submit comments expressing how these rules would harm transgender youth and their families. The ACLU has said they will file a lawsuit against these rules if they are finalized, and public comments will be crucial for the succes of this lawsuit. Learn more about how you can file a public comment below.
Executive Order on Youth Gender-Affirming Care The Trump Administration issued an Executive Order in January of 2025 attacking access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The order focuses on blocking federal funds from being used for gender-affirming care for trans people under the age of 19. This order is on hold by a federal court order and is NOT in effect. Litigation is ongoing.
If none of this is in effect, why are clinics closing?
Overcompliance or Precompliance. The above actions from the federal government have created a hostile climate in which clinics are wary about providing gender-affirming care to youth. In addition to these actions, the federal government has sent subpoenas to over 20 doctors and clinics that provided gender-affirming care to youth to intimidate them away from providing care. As a result, at least thirty-five clinics have completely ended care for youth, paused care, or stopped accepting new youth patients. We would call this “overcompliance” or “precompliance” – meaning the clinics are not legally required to take action but are choosing to do so anyway.
Where can families of trans youth get support?
Get support from the Trans Youth Emergency Project We provide family navigation services and renewable $500 travel grants for families living in states with bans on gender-affirming care. We also provide one-time travel grants to relocate care for families living in states where there is no statewide ban but their provider is closing its doors due to other reasons. Learn more at www.southernequality.org/tyep
Talk to your provider – ask how they are interpreting various restrictions and confirm they will continue providing care. If your provider is still providing care – tell them thank you! This can be a scary environment for them, and we’re so grateful for the medical providers all across the country. Remind your provider that disclosing information about your child is a HIPAA violation and they cannot disclose your medical records.
How Can You Fight Back?
Submit a Public Comment opposing the proposed federal rules. Now is the time to submit a public comment against new federal restrictions on youth gender-affirming care. These new restrictions would drastically impact youth gender-affirming care access nationwide. Submit your comment at the link in our bio, and remember: protect your privacy when submitting your comment. Comments will be submitted directly to the federal government, become part of the public record, and may be published online. Protect your privacy. Leave out personally identifiable information like your full name, your child’s name, your medical provider’s name, and your location. Submit your comment here.
Spread the word about the Trans Youth Emergency Project: Help other families understand that they are not alone – and that help is available. Click here to view a social media toolkit with information about patient navigation and emergency grants so we can reach as many impacted families as possible.
