Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced a major policy shift Thursday that would end federal support for medical interventions related to gender transition for minors. The policy targets the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical procedures for patients under 18. Administration officials said the decision reflects their conclusion that these treatments do not meet accepted standards of safety and effectiveness. Kennedy Jr. signed a declaration asserting that such interventions lack sufficient evidence, and providers who continue them could face enforcement for violating federal patient-safety requirements.
As part of the initiative, HHS has directed the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to begin rulemaking that would bar hospitals offering these procedures from participating in Medicare and Medicaid. Because most U.S. hospitals rely on federal reimbursement, the move could significantly restrict access nationwide. Kennedy criticized major medical organizations for supporting the treatments, arguing their positions are driven more by ideology than by evidence. He said the administration’s actions are guided by scientific review, transparency, and a commitment to protecting children from harm.
Kennedy cited an HHS report finding that interventions altering a child’s biological sex can have significant and long-term effects that are not adequately tracked. CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz echoed these concerns in a recent op-ed, arguing that evidence of benefit is weak while risks are substantial. He urged policymakers and clinicians to prioritize evidence-based care and less invasive approaches when treating children with gender dysphoria.