HHS moves to block treatments for minors
The US Department of Health and Human Services announced a sweeping set of proposed rules aimed at stopping sex rejecting medical procedures for children. The move follows a January executive order from President Donald Trump that directs HHS to protect minors from chemical and surgical interventions tied to gender transition.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the department is acting on scientific evidence and federal authority to prevent long term harm to children. He said the administration will prioritize transparency, informed consent, and patient safety.
Hospitals face Medicare and Medicaid penalties
HHS officials said the new policies would cut off federal funding to hospitals and providers that perform these procedures on minors. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposed rules that would ban hospitals from offering puberty blockers, cross sex hormones, or certain surgeries to patients under 18 if they want to participate in Medicare or Medicaid.
CMS also proposed a separate rule that would block Medicaid and CHIP funds from covering procedures intended to alter a child’s sex for individuals under 18 or 19, depending on the program. Because most US hospitals rely on these programs, the rules could affect facilities nationwide.
Federal money barred from youth transition care
HHS said the combined actions would ensure that federal funds do not support gender transition related medical care for children. Kennedy said the department will follow medical evidence and uphold the duty to avoid harm, especially when treating minors.
HHS study warns of lasting risks
The announcement followed a peer reviewed HHS report released in November. The report found that medical interventions aimed at changing a child’s biological sex can cause serious and lasting health risks. It raised concerns about puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and surgeries, noting that researchers often fail to track long term outcomes.
The report updated an earlier review released in May. Several medical groups criticized that earlier review, arguing it lacked transparency and misrepresented broader medical views.
New medical standards and FDA action
Kennedy signed a declaration stating that these procedures fail to meet accepted professional medical standards. Under the proposal, providers who continue offering them to minors could violate federal compliance rules.
The Food and Drug Administration also stepped in by sending warning letters to companies that marketed breast binders to children without proper approval.
Civil rights rule rollback proposed
HHS also moved to reverse a Biden era policy that classified gender dysphoria as a disability under federal law. A proposed update to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act would clarify that the law does not cover gender dysphoria unless it results from a physical impairment.
Political response and support
Democrats and advocacy groups are expected to oppose the changes, arguing that restrictions harm transgender youth. Supporters praised the move. Republican Rep. Bob Onder, a physician, said the policies protect children and reinforce ethical medical practice.
President Trump has repeatedly criticized these procedures for minors and has reaffirmed that the federal government recognizes only two biological sexes.
