VA to Phase Out Gender Dysphoria Treatments

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a policy change to phase out gender-affirming treatments for transgender veterans, following an executive order by President Donald Trump to recognize only two genders. The VA will cease offering cross-sex hormone therapy and other gender dysphoria treatments, except for those veterans already receiving them through the VA or military. This policy has sparked significant concern among transgender veterans, who feel abandoned by the government after serving their country. VA Secretary Doug Collins stated that while all veterans are welcome and will receive benefits, those seeking gender-affirming treatments must do so at their own expense. Savings from these changes will be redirected to assist severely injured veterans. This decision has drawn criticism from the LGBTQ+ community, with fears it sets a precedent for further erosion of transgender rights.