Transgender young adults and families with transgender youth have filed a federal lawsuit against an executive order issued by the Trump administration. The order seeks to restrict access to gender-affirming medical care for individuals under 19, threatening to cut federal funding for providers offering such treatments. This move could severely limit access to essential health services for transgender youth.
The legal challenge is supported by organizations including PFLAG National and GLMA, alongside the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Lambda Legal, and law firms Hogan Lovells and Jenner & Block. These groups are representing two transgender young adults, five adolescents, and their families affected by the order.
Kristen Chapman of Richmond, Virginia, mother of 17-year-old plaintiff Willow, shared her experience: “When the Tennessee legislature passed a law that banned gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, I knew we had to leave the state so that my daughter could continue receiving the care she needs.” After moving to Virginia in 2023 and struggling with insurance acceptance issues, they faced another setback when their appointment was canceled following President Trump's signing of the executive order.
Brian K. Bond from PFLAG National criticized the order: “PFLAG parents are good and decent people who love their trans kids... This order puts trans and nonbinary young people and their families at risk—and we’re not putting up with it.”
Alex Sheldon from GLMA emphasized: “For decades, doctors... have followed well-established medical standards... Now, an extreme political agenda is trying to overrule that expertise.”
The complaint was filed in Maryland's federal District Court. A request for an immediate restraining order against enforcing President Trump’s directive is expected soon.
Joshua Block from ACLU stated: “President Trump has shown a clear determination to use every lever of government... We will not allow this dangerous, sweeping, and unconstitutional order to stand.”
Omar Gonzalez-Pagan from Lambda Legal added: “The President’s denial of care order is morally reprehensible... This broadside condemns transgender young people to extreme and unnecessary pain.”
In December 2024, oral arguments were heard in U.S. v. Skrmetti regarding Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming hormonal therapies. The Supreme Court's decision on whether this violates the Equal Protection Clause is anticipated by June 2025.
This executive order is part of several actions taken by President Trump targeting transgender individuals' rights in various aspects of public life.
