Trump Administration Blocks Federal Funding for Transgender Healthcare for Minors

The Trump administration has introduced a rule that prevents federal funding for transgender healthcare for minors. This rule, released by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), stops Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) dollars from funding ‘sex-rejecting procedures’ for those under 18 and 19, respectively.

Transgender youth in treatment can continue using benefits for six months post-rule effective date, with an expected start of October 12, 2026. President Trump stated on social media, ‘We are not going to pay for our innocent children to undergo these barbaric surgeries and practices.’

Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson criticized the rule, asserting it terrorizes trans youth and families. Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen from The Trevor Project described it as a dangerous restriction on prescribed healthcare. A study from 2024 revealed that less than 1% of transgender minors have received surgical care, with cisgender male minors reporting a higher rate of gender-affirming surgery.

Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) emphasized the success of vaccinations following President Trump’s executive order on reshaping childhood immunization schedules for diseases like mumps, measles, and rubella. Since 1974, vaccinations have prevented 154 million deaths, including 146 million among children under five.

In company news, Hims & Hers Health announced plans to sell compounded peptides, emphasizing innovation in this area. CEO Andrew Dudum highlighted developments in U.S. manufactured products and clinical guidance.

In related news, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton intervened in a surrogacy case to secure life-saving treatment for a child with a congenital heart defect, defying the wishes of the intended parents.

Despite federal changes in vaccine recommendations, Texas’ requirements remain unchanged. A new law in Massachusetts adjusts abortion rules for pregnancies at 24 weeks or more.