Trump Halts Federal Support for Youth Gender-Affirming Care

Former President Donald Trump has issued an executive order to halt federal funding and endorsement of gender-affirming medical procedures for minors, stating that the U.S. will not support such transitions for individuals under 19. Concurrently, a trial has begun in North Dakota regarding a state law that bans gender-affirming care for minors, with plaintiffs arguing that the ban violates personal autonomy rights. The North Dakota law, which includes exemptions for those already receiving treatment, is being challenged by a pediatric endocrinologist representing affected patients. Meanwhile, a PBS report highlights a study suggesting that gender-affirming treatments for adolescents are rarely prescribed, prompting criticism of media narratives that encourage these interventions. Supporters of the ban argue it protects children amid scientific uncertainty regarding gender-affirming care. Critics, however, question the motivations behind the coverage and the political focus on a seemingly small number of cases.