Sixteen states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, aiming to protect healthcare access for transgender youth. This legal challenge arises in response to efforts by the federal government to limit essential medical treatments for young transgender individuals. The lawsuit was announced on July 14, 2023, and is spearheaded by the Democratic attorneys general from California, New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Connecticut.
The complaint specifically targets an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in January, which classified puberty blockers and hormone therapy as “chemical and surgical mutilation.” This order also mandated that federal funding be withheld from hospitals providing these treatments and suggested potential investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice into healthcare providers. These gender-affirming treatments, which are endorsed by major medical associations in the United States, have faced increasing scrutiny under the current administration.
As federal threats have intensified, numerous hospitals have begun to withdraw gender-affirming care services. Many families are now struggling to find alternatives, even in traditionally supportive regions. For instance, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a prominent institution serving transgender youth for over three decades, recently closed its gender-affirming care center due to funding threats from the federal government. Other facilities, such as Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Stanford Medicine, Denver Health, and the University of Chicago, have also scaled back or ceased gender-affirming services.
The lawsuit further addresses a July 2023 announcement from the Justice Department, which revealed that subpoenas had been issued to over 20 doctors and clinics providing gender-affirming care. This move raised significant concerns among healthcare providers regarding the privacy of patient records and the potential for criminal prosecution. Additionally, the plaintiffs are contesting a memo from Brett Shumate, assistant U.S. attorney general, which directed the Justice Department to prioritize investigations into medical professionals involved in gender-affirming care.
While Republican lawmakers in more than 25 states have pushed for restrictions on transgender youth healthcare, many treatments remain legal in other areas. States such as California have enacted anti-discrimination laws that explicitly protect access to these services. The plaintiffs argue that the actions taken by the Trump administration exceed federal authority and infringe upon state laws.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the detrimental impact of denying transgender youth access to care. His office noted that such denial leads to worsening mental health outcomes, including increased rates of depression and anxiety. The lawsuit has garnered support from a coalition of attorneys general from Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin, along with the governor of Pennsylvania and officials from the District of Columbia.
The legal action follows a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Tennessee’s ban on transgender youth healthcare, highlighting a growing trend of legislation across the country. Many advocates argue that treatments such as hormone therapy are critical for the well-being of transgender youth. A 16-year-old transgender boy, Eli, who lost his healthcare in Los Angeles, expressed the profound impact of these policies: “Hormone therapy truly saves lives. I wish people understood they’re doing so much more harm than they could possibly imagine.”
As this lawsuit unfolds, the implications for transgender youth and healthcare providers across the United States will be closely monitored, reflecting a broader national discourse on LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare access.