In a move that's sparked widespread controversy, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that prohibits gender transitions for people under the age of 19.
This latest push by the Trump administration aims to reverse policies set by the Biden administration to protect transgender people.
What Does the Order Entail?
The order states that the US will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support gender transitions for minors.
It defines a "child" as anyone under 19 years old and "pediatric" as relating to the medical care of a child.
The order also refers to gender-affirming care as "chemical and surgical mutilation," which includes puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and surgical procedures.
Contrary to Scientific Evidence
Studies have shown that allowing trans teens access to hormone replacement therapy medications can lead to lower rates of depression and a lower risk of suicide.
A 2022 study by Stanford University School of Medicine found that positive mental health outcomes were higher for transgender people who accessed hormone replacement therapy medications as teenagers, compared to those who accessed it as adults.
Impact on Healthcare and Education
The order directs federally run insurance programs, including Tricare and Medicaid, to exclude coverage for gender-affirming care.
It also calls on the Department of Justice to pursue litigation and legislation to oppose the practice. Medicaid programs in some states currently cover gender-affirming care, but this order may put an end to that. Hospitals and universities that receive federal funding and provide gender-affirming care may also be targeted.
A Pattern of Discrimination
This order is the latest in a series of moves by the Trump administration to roll back protections for transgender people.
On Monday, Trump signed an order aimed at eliminating "gender radicalism in the military," which is expected to lead to a ban on transgender troops. Last week, the US state department froze applications for passports with "X" sex markers and changes to gender identity on existing passports.
Backlash from the Trans Community
The trans community and its allies have met these targeted orders with fierce backlash.
Several current and prospective service members who are transgender are suing Trump and the secretary of defense, citing that the order violates the equal protection component of the fifth amendment.
"It's very clear that this order, in combination with the other orders that we've seen over the past week, are meant to single-mindedly drive out transgender people of all ages from all walks of civic life," said Harper Seldin, a staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union's LGBTQ & HIV Project.
What's Next?
The ACLU is reviewing the order to understand its immediate effects and what actions need to be taken. As the controversy surrounding this order continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Trump administration's moves will have far-reaching consequences for the transgender community and the country as a whole.
