The government of U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday strong restrictions on medical care related to gender transition processes for minors under 18, seeking to cut federal funds from health institutions that offer these treatments. "Today, we are taking six decisive actions, guided by the highest level of science and President Trump's Executive Order from the first week of his second term, to protect children from chemical and surgical mutilation," said Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at a press conference. These actions are part of the hardening of rhetoric and policies against transgender people driven by the Republican leader upon his return to power last January. Kennedy Jr. reported that this morning he signed a declaration "rejecting sex reassignment procedures, as they are neither a safe nor effective treatment for children with gender dysphoria." He added that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have proposed rules to prohibit the use of 'federal dollars' to fund these treatments. The executive order signed by Trump last January restricts funding for sex change procedures. If enacted, these rules would block payments to health providers and hospitals that offer gender-affirming care to children. A policy shift regarding transgender minors in the U.S. The Administration's actions also include warning letters to twelve manufacturers of chest binders—used in the recovery from cancer-related mastectomies—to prevent their 'illegal marketing' to minors with gender dysphoria, as this would imply 'significant regulatory violations.' 'If the manufacturers do not comply, they could face coercive measures, including product seizure,' warned Kennedy Jr. The Health Secretary insisted that they are 'working to reverse the Biden administration's attempt to include gender dysphoria within the definition of disability.' The Department of Health issued a statement to inform medical providers, families, and policymakers that 'the current evidence does not support the claims that puberty blockers, sex reassignment hormones, and surgeries are safe and effective treatments for gender dysphoria in children and adolescents.' These new regulations, which had been reported by U.S. media since last October, have been criticized by health experts and LGBTQ+ rights activists who say they will seriously hinder access to pediatric care for transgender minors in the country. Currently, 27 states already prohibit gender-affirming care for minors.
