More than a dozen Democratic-led states have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging recent federal actions that restrict access to sex change procedures and treatments for individuals under 19. The legal complaint, submitted to the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, accuses the administration of attempting to enforce a nationwide ban by intimidating healthcare providers with threats of criminal charges and investigations.
Led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, the coalition argues that the federal government is unfairly targeting medical professionals who deliver what they describe as legal and essential care to transgender youth. James criticized the administration’s approach, stating it endangers lives and adds more barriers for vulnerable young people already facing social and medical challenges.
The lawsuit names former President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the U.S. Justice Department. It specifically challenges Trump’s January 28 executive order halting government support for gender transition care and two memos from Bondi and Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate. One memo directs federal prosecutors to pursue cases against providers offering such treatments to minors, while the other prioritizes investigations into hospitals and pharmaceutical companies involved in this type of care.
The Justice Department has already launched investigations into three children’s hospitals accused of providing transgender-related treatments. The White House has defended the measures, saying they are designed to protect children. A spokesperson stated that President Trump acted to stop what they described as harmful medical practices and that the administration expects a legal victory.
As a result of the federal actions, several major institutions have begun scaling back or ending their youth gender programs. Kaiser Permanente announced a pause in surgeries for patients under 19 starting August 29. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles has shut down its clinic for transgender youth, and Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. will no longer offer gender transition interventions.
The lawsuit claims these changes reflect the administration’s intention to eliminate healthcare access for transgender minors. The states involved in the lawsuit include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin—states where such treatments are still allowed.
Meanwhile, other countries have taken similar steps to limit transgender healthcare for minors. In March, the United Kingdom banned the use of puberty blockers for adolescents with gender dysphoria.
