Judge Slams HHS Over Trans Youth Policy, Halts Medicare Funding Threat
A federal judge just blocked a major Trump-era health policy targeting transgender treatments for minors, escalating an already growing legal fight.
According to Reuters and AP News, U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai ruled that the Department of Health and Human Services overstepped its authority when it labeled gender-affirming care unsafe and threatened funding cuts to providers.
The policy, pushed under HHS leadership, aimed to restrict hospitals from offering treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy to minors by tying compliance to federal funding.
Subscribe free for daily political analysis they won’t broadcast. Join 115K+ readers →
But a coalition of more than 20 states challenged the move, arguing it bypassed required rulemaking procedures and pressured providers unlawfully.
The court agreed, stopping enforcement and allowing hospitals to continue offering care without federal penalties.
The ruling adds to a string of recent legal setbacks for federal efforts to limit transgender healthcare, with further court battles and potential appeals expected.
Subscribe free for daily political analysis they won’t broadcast. Join 115K+ readers →