Trump Cuts Funding for Transgender Treatments

The Trump administration has approved a rule that cuts off federal funding for puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgical procedures for minors with gender dysphoria.

The measure affects the Medicaid and CHIP programs, which provide health care for 35.5 million children from low-income families in the US.

The government justifies the decision by citing insufficient scientific evidence regarding the benefits and the risk of permanent harm to health. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said the move protects children and saves money.

For children already receiving hormone therapy, the administrator has established a six-month transition period to gradually phase out the treatment in order to prevent health complications.

The rule does not ban the procedures themselves but shifts the financial burden to states, private insurers or families. The estimated savings amount to $235m over 10 years.

The American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics oppose the rule, arguing that medical decisions are grounded in science and should be left to families and doctors.

Democratic attorneys general have previously filed a lawsuit alleging that the government is overstepping its authority. The rule also creates a direct conflict with 14 states that have legislation protecting so-called transgender care.

(Reuters, Max)