Democratic-Led States Sue HHS Over Proposal Targeting Transgender Care for Minors

Eighteen Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, challenging a new proposal that would restrict transgender medical care for minors at federally funded hospitals.

The legal action targets a policy announced December 18 by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which would bar hospitals that provide gender-affirming care to minors from participating in federal health programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. The proposal focuses on treatments including puberty blockers and is part of a broader effort by the administration to limit access to transgender medical care.

In the lawsuit, the states argue the policy violates the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs how federal agencies implement regulations. They claim the proposal unlawfully interferes with states’ management of Medicaid programs and oversteps federal authority by intruding on states’ ability to regulate medical practices within their borders.

The lawsuit also challenges the administration’s assertion that gender-affirming care for minors does not meet recognized medical standards. State officials argue that healthcare decisions should remain between patients, families, and medical professionals rather than being dictated by federal policymakers.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said the proposal would allow political considerations to override medical judgment, calling the policy an improper attempt to influence healthcare decisions at the state level.

The lawsuit was filed by Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, New York, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Wisconsin, along with the District of Columbia.

The case marks the latest legal battle over transgender rights and healthcare access, an issue that continues to generate national debate and court challenges as states and the federal government clash over regulatory authority.

Credit: CNN Newsource
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