Washington DC: The White House has issued an executive order under Trump's administration that prohibits federal funding, support, or promotion of medical procedures intended to transition a child's sex, citing concerns over their long-term consequences.
It labels these actions as 'chemical and surgical mutilation,' arguing that they arise from the erroneous belief that sex can be changed through irreversible medical interventions. The administration claims affected children face permanent sterilization and severe complications, with many later regretting their decisions.
Key definitions are provided, identifying 'child' as anyone under 19 and including puberty blockers and surgeries in the mutilation category. The order also criticizes guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) as lacking scientific integrity, mandates a literature review by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and instructs an end to federal funding for gender-transition procedures.
Protecting Children From Chemical And Surgical Mutilation | Screengrab, White House official website
The order directs the Department of Defence to exclude chemical and surgical mutilation of children from TRICARE coverage, affecting nearly 2 million under-18s.
It mandates changes to federal employee health programs, requiring the exclusion of pediatric transgender surgeries and hormone treatments from the FEHB and PSHB plans and prompting reductions in premium costs.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is tasked with prioritizing enforcement against gender transition procedures, including reviewing federal protections against female genital mutilation and addressing consumer fraud regarding these procedures.
The Attorney General must collaborate with Congress to create legislation allowing legal action for minors subjected to such treatments, including an extended statute of limitations. Furthermore, the DOJ will investigate abusive practices by "sanctuary States." Compliance reports are required within 60 days, and a severability clause is included to uphold remaining provisions if any are invalidated.
