If enacted, President Trump’s extreme Executive Order could directly harm the health of tens of thousands of trans youth under the age of 19 in California SACRAMENTO, CA – Health Access and the CA LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network released the following statements following the January 28, 2025 Executive Order issued by President Trump […] The post LGBTQ and Health Advocates Condemn Federal Executive Order to Restrict Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth appeared first on Health Access.
If enacted, President Trump’s extreme Executive Order could directly harm the health of tens of thousands of trans youth under the age of 19 in California
SACRAMENTO, CA – Health Access and the CA LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network released the following statements following the January 28, 2025 Executive Order issued by President Trump titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation”:
“Gender affirming care is medically necessary care for TGI youth. If this care is stripped away, we would be setting up TGI youth for mental health distress and increased cases of depression, anxiety, and self-harm,” said Dannie Ceseña, Director of the CA LGBTQ Health & Human Services Network. “Even though HHS has not yet begun implementing this executive order, we are already hearing from families who have experienced delays or pre-emptive cancellations of care by California hospitals and clinics, and these families are starting to fear for their children’s safety. These cancellations are inconsistent with California law, and we encourage hospitals to look to the very guidance from the Attorney General, which reinforces California’s position as a safe place for TGI youth. California has been a safe haven for trans youth and we will not go back on that promise.”
“Health Access condemns President Trump’s cruel Executive Order, which once again aims to insert government in the middle of medical decisions that should be made between parents, families and doctors,” said Amanda McAllister-Waller, interim executive director at Health Access California. “This directive is not only offensive, but flies in the face of years of medical science that unequivocally shows gender-affirming care saves lives. We will not back down in the face of administration’s attempts to put TGI people back in the closet, and we will fight to make sure that these important medical decisions remain in the hands of parents and families – not the government.”
Health Access and the CA LGBTQ Health and Human Services Network remain steadfast in our advocacy for transgender youth. Despite the harmful implications of this Executive Order, no rules or regulations have been changed at this time. As the administration moves to implement this proposal, we are committed to holding regulatory agencies accountable and ensuring that access to gender-affirming care remains available in California. No medical providers or insurance companies should be denying care or services to any patient on the basis of the Executive Order and must adhere to the laws that protect access to comprehensive health care for all individuals in our state.
Gender-affirming care is not only endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, but it is also supported by every major medical organization in the United States. Research has consistently demonstrated that denying gender-affirming care significantly raises the risk of negative outcomes, including depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. In contrast, studies reveal that transgender youth who receive robust family support are far less likely to experience depression, showing marked improvements in self-esteem and overall health. This executive order is not a reflection of any “dangerous trend” in medical care; rather, it is a direct attack from those in positions of power to harm vulnerable youth and further stigmatize trans and nonbinary people.
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Press inquires can be directed to:
Ariela Cuellar, CA LGBTQ HHS Network, acuellar@health-access.org, (916) 572-2767
Rachel Linn Gish, Health Access, rlinngish@health-access.org, (916) 532-2128
The post LGBTQ and Health Advocates Condemn Federal Executive Order to Restrict Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth appeared first on Health Access.
