President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday that prohibits medical procedures involving chemical and surgical interventions in children to alter their sex or gender. The order states that the United States will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the 'transition' of a child from one sex to another.
Gender-affirming care, which includes medical and surgical interventions, is typically reserved for adults. International guidelines recommend against medical or surgical intervention before transgender children reach puberty. Research shows that even for older teens and adults, surgery is relatively rare.
For children, gender-affirming care is defined as developmentally appropriate, nonjudgmental treatment provided in a safe clinical space. It is individualized and based on peer-reviewed scientific studies that demonstrate its effectiveness.
Major medical associations such as the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, Endocrine Society, American Psychological Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry support gender-affirming care. They consider it clinically appropriate and life-saving treatment for children and adults.
The executive order instructs federal agencies to withdraw policies based on World Professional Association for Transgender Health guidance, which the order claims lacks scientific credibility. However, these guidelines are widely regarded as the gold standard in the field of gender-affirming care.
