A federal district court has issued a temporary restraining order against an executive order from the Trump administration that aimed to limit access to gender-affirming medical care for transgender individuals under 19. The decision, made by Judge Brendan Hurson, prevents federal agencies from using funding as leverage against healthcare providers offering such care.
Brian K. Bond of PFLAG National stated, “Good and decent parents of transgender kids should never be in the frightening position of having their child’s prescribed, medically necessary care canceled at the whim and threat of a politician.” He emphasized that the ruling corrects a significant injustice against families with transgender youth.
Alex Sheldon from GLMA highlighted that withholding necessary medical care threatens patient health and undermines healthcare integrity. “Today's intervention by the court underscores the cruelty and recklessness that is embedded in this order,” they said.
The executive order signed on January 28 by President Trump declared it U.S. policy not to support gender transition for those under 19, including legal adults aged 18. This led some hospitals to stop providing care to transgender youth, prompting protests across several states.
In response, a lawsuit was filed on February 4 by organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Lambda Legal, and PFLAG National. Joshua Block from ACLU remarked, “But today’s decision should restore both their access to healthcare and protections under the Constitution.”
Omar Gonzalez-Pagan of Lambda Legal noted that decisions about medical care should be made by patients and their doctors rather than politicians. Dana Vickers Shelley from ACLU Maryland expressed relief over the court's recognition of harm caused by the executive order.
This ruling marks a critical moment in ongoing efforts to protect access to gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth nationwide.
