The White House has issued an executive order prohibiting federal funding and support for child gender-transition procedures, citing concerns over irreversible consequences and potential long-term harm.
The administration has described such medical interventions as “chemical and surgical mutilation” under the “radical and false claim that a child’s sex can be changed.” The order argues that children subjected to these procedures may face permanent sterilization and lifelong health complications.
Highlighting the alleged regrets of some individuals who underwent these treatments as minors, the order claims many eventually realize the “horrifying tragedy” of being unable to conceive or breastfeed. It mandates federal agencies to rigorously enforce laws that limit such procedures.
The directive defines “child” as anyone under 19 and categorizes puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and surgeries as forms of “chemical and surgical mutilation,” often branded as “gender-affirming care.” The administration criticized guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), labeling it as lacking “scientific integrity.” Federal agencies have been ordered to withdraw or amend any policies relying on WPATH’s guidance.
Furthermore, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) must review existing literature on gender dysphoria in children and improve data collection on medical transitions involving minors. The order also calls for an end to federal grants for institutions performing these procedures.
The Department of Defense is directed to exclude such treatments from TRICARE, the military’s health insurance program. Similarly, federal employee health plans must eliminate coverage for pediatric transgender surgeries and hormone treatments, with instructions to reduce insurance premiums accordingly.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has been tasked with enforcing protections against female genital mutilation and investigating potential fraud related to gender-transition procedures. The Attorney General has been directed to work with Congress to propose legislation allowing individuals who underwent these treatments as minors to seek legal recourse, including an extended statute of limitations.
The executive order underscores compliance timelines, requiring agency heads to report progress within 60 days. It includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the order is deemed invalid, the remainder will remain effective.
(Inputs from ANI)