The Trump administration has announced it will cease funding gender transition surgeries for minors through Medicaid. President Donald Trump revealed this decision on Tuesday via a Truth Social post. He directed Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator of the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), to halt the use of federal and state health insurance programs to finance these surgeries.
The termination of funds affects a range of procedures including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical operations. These treatments have been described by Trump as causing “irreversible damage,” citing potential effects like infertility, impaired sexual function, and other lasting physiological changes.
Dr. Oz stated, “Children deserve our protection, not experimental interventions that pose serious risks and convey no proven benefits.” This ruling aligns with the stance that halting federal funds for such procedures is scientifically justified and helps safeguard children from potential harm.
The new rule is effective from October 13, and it will not influence coverage for mental health services. CMS’s decision follows a review by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) which highlighted significant gaps in evidence and safety concerns regarding gender-affirming care for children. The review concluded that the current evidence does not support federal funding for these interventions.
Currently, 27 states have enacted restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors. The issue remains contentious, with Republican lawmakers advocating for restrictions and Democrats viewing these moves as discriminatory against transgender individuals.
In his post, Trump claimed that numerous hospitals have already ceased providing gender-affirming care for minors, anticipating more to follow. He also pointed to the stance of the Democratic Party in the ongoing debate, urging voters to consider this issue in the upcoming elections.
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