16 States Sue Trump Over Transgender Youth Care Restrictions

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with attorneys general from multiple states, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration challenging its efforts to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender and nonbinary youth. The suit alleges that President Trump's executive orders and DOJ actions unlawfully threaten health care providers with federal investigations, subpoenas, and potential criminal prosecution to coerce them into halting medically necessary care for people under 19, even in states where such care is protected by law. Hospitals in Chicago, including UI Health, UChicago Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, and Lurie Children’s Hospital, have suspended gender-affirming care for youth due to these federal threats. The plaintiffs argue these federal actions exceed legal authority and cause fear and confusion among providers and families, exacerbating harm to transgender youth. The lawsuit also highlights that government health insurance programs have long reimbursed providers for gender-affirming care, countering the administration's claims. Advocates and officials describe the administration's policies as cruel and unlawful attempts to erase transgender identities and limit access to essential medical treatment.