President Donald Trump has recently stirred controversy with his latest executive order aimed at restricting access to gender-affirming care for minors under the age of 19. This order is set to impact medical institutions that receive federal funding, prohibiting them from offering treatments such as puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and surgeries. The order specifically calls upon the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to take action to prevent what it refers to as “chemical and surgical mutilation of children.”

Trump’s executive order asserts that the United States will not support or fund any procedures related to the transition of a child from one sex to another. This move is part of a series of actions taken by the Trump administration that directly impact the transgender community, which makes up less than 1% of the population aged 13 and above. Previous orders by Trump include restrictions on transgender military service, federal legal recognition, and gender marker changes on federal documents.

Medical and Public Health Perspectives on Gender-Affirming Care

The president’s order also raises concerns about the sterilization of children undergoing gender-affirming care. While Trump argues that such procedures may prevent children from conceiving their own children in the future, medical experts have a different perspective. Research shows that puberty blockers and hormone therapy do not necessarily lead to permanent sterilization but may impact fertility. National guidelines recommend thorough discussions with patients about the potential effects on fertility before starting hormone therapy.

Studies have shown that gender-affirming surgeries for transgender youth under 12 are exceedingly rare, with chest-related procedures being the predominant type of surgery performed. In contrast, cisgender individuals, both minors, and adults have a higher utilization rate of gender-affirming surgeries such as breast-reduction procedures. This highlights the disparities in access to care between transgender and cisgender individuals.

Support for Gender-Affirming Care

Despite the administration’s stance, major medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, have all endorsed gender-affirming care as safe, effective, and necessary. These organizations emphasize the importance of providing care that aligns with an individual’s gender identity, promoting overall well-being and mental health.

As states across the country introduce legislation to ban gender-affirming care for minors, the American Psychological Association has spoken out against these measures. The APA argues that such bans go against evidence-based healthcare practices, human rights, and social justice. Instead, they advocate for policies that prioritize the autonomy and well-being of transgender, gender-diverse, and nonbinary individuals.

In conclusion, the debate surrounding gender-affirming care for minors continues to be a contentious issue. While the Trump administration’s executive order seeks to restrict access to these treatments, medical experts and national organizations emphasize the importance of providing safe and effective care for transgender youth. As the conversation evolves, it is crucial to consider the well-being and rights of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.