A coalition of 15 states and the District of Columbia has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging an executive order aimed at blocking federal support for gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth.
The plaintiffs argue that the federal government is overstepping its authority by attempting to restrict access to vital healthcare, violating the rights of transgender individuals and undermining state-level protections.
Background of the Lawsuit
The legal battle stems from Executive Order 14187, signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2024, titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation.” The order seeks to cut off federal funding for institutions that provide gender-affirming care to minors, including hormone therapy and surgeries.
The administration argues that such procedures amount to “chemical and surgical mutilation,” but critics—including medical professionals and advocacy groups—strongly disagree.
The lawsuit, filed on Friday, was led by Massachusetts and New York Attorney General Letitia James. The plaintiffs argue that the order is unconstitutional, unlawfully oversteps federal authority, and would have dire consequences for transgender youth.
They say that the federal government’s actions contradict the core powers of states to regulate healthcare and the medical profession within their borders.
Legal Arguments and State Authority
The lawsuit emphasizes that states have traditionally regulated medical care, including gender-affirming care, and that this regulation is protected under the U.S. system of federalism.
The plaintiffs argue that the Trump administration’s actions seek to impose a national standard of medical care, undermining state laws that ensure transgender individuals have access to necessary healthcare.
“This case is about the federal government attempting to usurp a core state police power,” the lawsuit states. It continues by pointing out that federal statutes unrelated to gender-affirming care are being weaponized to justify these restrictions, specifically referencing laws against female genital mutilation (FGM), which the administration has used in its effort to target medical providers of transgender healthcare.
Impact on Transgender Youth and Medical Providers
The plaintiffs argue that the Trump administration’s actions are part of a larger campaign to harass and intimidate medical providers who offer gender-affirming care.
“The federal government is running a cruel and targeted harassment campaign against providers who offer lawful, lifesaving care to children,” said Attorney General James in a press release announcing the lawsuit.
She added that such actions put countless lives at risk, as transgender youth already face significant barriers to healthcare and mental health support.
Major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, support gender-affirming care as safe and necessary for treating gender dysphoria.
Studies have shown that access to such care is linked to improved mental health outcomes for transgender youth, while denying care has been associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality.
Weaponization of Federal Laws
One of the key elements of the lawsuit is the plaintiffs’ claim that the Trump administration has misused federal laws to target medical providers. In particular, the administration has attempted to use the 1996 federal ban on female genital mutilation (FGM), a law that is not applicable to gender-affirming care, to justify its actions.
The plaintiffs argue that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has abused its authority by issuing directives that contradict established law and intimidate providers into discontinuing gender-affirming services.
The lawsuit also raises constitutional challenges, including violations of the Administrative Procedure Act and the 10th Amendment, which protects states’ rights. Legal experts note that the 10th Amendment has become a critical tool for states challenging federal overreach, especially in the context of the Trump administration’s policies.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of gender-affirming care in the United States. If successful, the lawsuit could block the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict access to this care, ensuring that transgender youth continue to receive the medical support they need.
Advocates hope the court will reaffirm the rights of states to protect their residents and ensure access to life-saving medical treatment.
