HHS Proposes Ban on Federal Funds for Minors' Gender Care

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced proposals on Thursday to restrict federal funding for gender-affirming care provided to minors, a move that could limit access to such treatments across the country by targeting hospitals and insurance programs.

The proposals, unveiled by the Department of Health and Human Services, would bar hospitals from participating in Medicare and Medicaid if they offer puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or surgical interventions to individuals under 18. They would also prohibit the use of federal Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program funds to cover these treatments. Kennedy signed a declaration stating that such procedures are neither safe nor effective for children with gender dysphoria, a condition involving distress from a mismatch between one's gender identity and assigned sex at birth. "This is not medicine, it is malpractice," Kennedy said during a news conference. He added that the actions aim to prevent lasting physical and psychological harm to young people.

Gender-affirming care encompasses a range of interventions, starting with mental health evaluations and social support, such as name or...