Lawsuit Filed Against Trump Administration Over Halted Transgender Healthcare Funding for Minors

Lawsuit Filed Against Trump Administration Over Halted Transgender Healthcare Funding for Minors

A coalition of seven families, alongside LGBTQ+ advocates and medical organizations, has initiated legal action against the Trump administration in response to an executive order terminating federal funding for transgender healthcare for individuals under the age of 19. The lawsuit was lodged in a federal court in Baltimore, seeking to secure an immediate injunction to prevent the enforcement of this controversial directive.

The Impact of the Executive Order

According to the filed lawsuit, the abrupt implementation of this executive order has already disrupted medical services across the nation. Hospitals are reportedly canceling appointments and denying care to transgender patients who have often waited years for essential treatment related to gender dysphoria.

The lawsuit states, “This sudden shutdown in care was a direct and immediate consequence of the Executive Order issued by President Trump on January 28, 2025. This directive, titled ‘Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation,’ directs federal agencies to ensure that institutions receiving federal research or education grants cease gender-affirming medical care for individuals under nineteen, which the plaintiffs have termed the ‘Denial of Care Order.'”

Legal Arguments Against the Executive Orders

The plaintiffs argue that the executive orders in question violate constitutional principles. They assert that the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the exclusive right to allocate federal funds.

As referenced in the lawsuit, “The president does not have unilateral authority to withhold federal funds that have been previously authorized and appropriated by Congress. Furthermore, the President cannot impose his own conditions on fund usage without explicit congressional delegation of such power.” This legal challenge underscores the immediate consequences of the executive orders, with hospitals nationwide terminating essential gender-affirming care due to these federal directives.

Recent Executive Orders and Their Wider Implications

This lawsuit forms part of a broader pattern of pushback against the Trump administration’s recent executive orders, which include reinstating a military ban on transgender troops and prohibiting federal funding for sex reassignment procedures for minors. The orders mandate that only ‘two sexes’—male and female—be recognized by federal agencies, disregarding the complexities of gender identity.

Jennifer Levi, director of Transgender and Queer Rights at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders, stated, “This ban undermines core American values of equality and meritocracy.” Levi’s remarks reflect the growing concerns regarding the implications of these orders on equality and non-discrimination.

Ongoing Legal Challenges

This lawsuit is not the only challenge facing the Trump administration regarding these policies. Previously, GLAD Law and the National Center for Lesbian Rights filed a lawsuit against the military ban on transgender service members. The legal action, known as Talbott v. Trump, was pursued by a group that includes active-duty military personnel and individuals attempting to enlist, emphasizing the equal protection of rights.

The plaintiffs in this case include distinguished service members, such as a Sailor of the Year honoree and a Bronze Star recipient, showcasing the diversity and commitment among those affected by these policies.

Challenges for Transgender Individuals in the Justice System

In a related legal battle, a transgender inmate identified as “Maria Moe” has accused the Trump administration of violating her rights by curtailing access to gender-affirming medical treatment. This lawsuit claims that recent executive actions jeopardize her access to necessary medical care, potentially infringing on her Fifth and Eighth Amendment rights.

The rising number of lawsuits reflects the increasing tensions surrounding transgender rights in healthcare and the justice system, characterizing a critical moment in the intersection of healthcare, law, and politics.

Looking Forward: The Ongoing Struggle for Transgender Rights

As these legal challenges unfold, they emphasize the ongoing struggle for transgender rights in the U.S., spotlighting the critical need for protections and equitable access to healthcare. The outcomes of these lawsuits may significantly impact the future of gender-affirming care and the rights of transgender individuals across the nation.

Report contributed by Fox News Digital’s Jamie Joseph.