U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, has criticized the American Medical Association (AMA) for supporting gender transition procedures for minors. Cassidy's comments follow reports that the AMA established a medical fellowship in 2021 to train physicians in performing these procedures on children.
Earlier this year, President Trump issued an executive order instructing federal agencies to prevent children from undergoing irreversible gender transitions. The order also directed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to end gender transition services for minors covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act exchanges. Despite this directive, Cassidy says the AMA continues to promote such procedures.
“Unfortunately, the AMA too often has been guided by ideological views in adopting policy resolutions, rather than doing what is right for doctors and patients,” wrote Dr. Cassidy. “AMA’s recent actions raise questions about whether it is actually prioritizing physicians and patients or simply advocating on its own political priorities.”
Cassidy is leading efforts among Senate Republicans to ensure healthcare providers and insurers comply with the executive order. He is also investigating organizations like the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), whose guidelines influence care standards and insurance coverage decisions related to gender transition procedures.
The HHS released a review in May highlighting concerns about medical interventions such as puberty blockers and surgeries for youth with gender dysphoria. The review pointed out significant risks associated with these treatments and found limited evidence of benefit.
In his letter to Dr. Mukkamala of the AMA, Cassidy asked for information regarding steps taken by the association to comply with Executive Order 14187. He requested details about services provided by members to minors, sources of federal funding received by the association—particularly those used for initiatives related to gender transition—and any changes made to practice guidelines following the executive order.
He cited other countries like Finland and Sweden that have shifted their guidelines toward psychotherapy as a standard treatment for youth with gender dysphoria instead of hormones or surgery. Some U.S. hospitals have also moved away from providing these procedures.
Cassidy concluded his letter by requesting copies of relevant guidance documents distributed since January 28, 2025.
“Unfortunately, the AMA too often has been guided by ideological views in adopting policy resolutions, rather than doing what is right for doctors and patients,” wrote Dr. Cassidy. “AMA’s recent actions raise questions about whether it is actually prioritizing physicians and patients or simply advocating on its own political priorities.”
For further updates from HELP Republicans, readers are encouraged to visit their website or Twitter account @GOPHELP.
