U.S. Health Department Proposes Rules Restricting Medical Procedures for Transgender Minors

2025-12-18

The BareStory

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Thursday announced a series of proposed regulations intended to end certain medical procedures for minors. The actions follow a January executive order from President Donald Trump.

Under the proposals, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would prohibit hospitals that provide puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or related surgeries to individuals under 18 from participating in Medicare and Medicaid. A separate proposed rule would block federal Medicaid funding for procedures intended to alter the sex of a minor. According to an HHS official, this would also apply to the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for those under 19.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the actions were based on a November peer-reviewed HHS report that he stated found serious long-term dangers associated with these procedures. Citing the report, Kennedy signed a declaration that such procedures on children do not meet professional medical standards. He characterized what he called "gender-affirming care" as "malpractice" and "junk science."

As part of the announcement, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated it sent warning letters to 12 companies concerning the "illegal marketing of breast binders to children." HHS also proposed revising the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to specify that the definition of "disability" does not include "gender dysphoria" unless it results from a physical impairment, a move intended to reverse a Biden-era policy.

Supporters of medical treatments for transgender youth argue that denying access to such care can contribute to depression, anxiety, and suicide. President Trump has previously called the procedures an "act of abuse."

Left Perspective

The administration is using federal funding to restrict certain medical procedures for minors.
Officials assert that these actions are based on evidence of long-term medical dangers.
The proposals are part of a broader regulatory effort concerning gender identity.

Right Perspective

Denying access to medical treatments is viewed as harmful to transgender youth.
The restricted procedures are considered a form of necessary care.
The proposed rules threaten to cut off access to these treatments.

Left Perspective

• The administration is using federal funding to restrict certain medical procedures for minors. The proposed rules would prohibit hospitals from participating in Medicare and Medicaid if they provide puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or related surgeries to individuals under 18. A separate rule would block federal Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funding for these procedures on minors.

• Officials assert that these actions are based on evidence of long-term medical dangers. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated the proposals are based on a peer-reviewed department report finding "serious long-term dangers" associated with these procedures. Citing the report, he declared that such treatments on children do not meet professional standards, calling what he termed "gender-affirming care" both "malpractice" and "junk science."

• The proposals are part of a broader regulatory effort concerning gender identity. In addition to funding restrictions, the FDA has sent warning letters regarding the marketing of breast binders to children. HHS has also proposed revising federal law to specify that "gender dysphoria" is not considered a "disability" unless it results from a physical impairment, which would reverse a Biden-era policy.

Right Perspective

• Denying access to medical treatments is viewed as harmful to transgender youth. Supporters of medical treatments for transgender youth argue that preventing access to this care can have severe negative consequences. They state that such denial can contribute to serious mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicide.

• The restricted procedures are considered a form of necessary care. The government proposals target interventions such as puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, which supporters frame as essential medical care. This view stands in contrast to statements from officials, including President Trump, who has called the procedures an "act of abuse."

• The proposed rules threaten to cut off access to these treatments. By proposing to block Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP funding, the federal government's actions are seen as creating significant barriers for minors seeking care. Supporters are concerned that these financial disincentives for providers will effectively deny transgender youth access to treatments they consider vital for their well-being.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• Access to certain medical procedures for transgender minors may be restricted, as hospitals could lose all Medicare and Medicaid funding for providing them.

• Federal funding for specific medical treatments for minors via Medicaid and CHIP may be eliminated, potentially increasing out-of-pocket costs for affected families.

• The legal definition of "disability" under the Rehabilitation Act may change to exclude gender dysphoria, potentially affecting federal protections and accommodations.

U.S. Health Department Proposes Rules Restricting Medical Procedures for Transgender Minors

The BareStory

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How it may affect me

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