On March 5, 2025, U.S. District Judge Brendan Hurson, appointed by President Biden, issued a ruling that blocked former President Donald Trump’s executive order which aimed to prevent federal funding for transgender surgeries for minors. The ruling came as a result of a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Lambda Legal, and several other advocacy groups in February, representing families and youths from PFLAG National. These plaintiffs argued that Trump’s executive order disrupted access to necessary medical care, particularly for transgender minors seeking gender-affirming surgeries and treatments.
Trump's executive order had prohibited hospitals and clinics receiving federal funds from providing transgender surgeries and related services to individuals under 19. This policy, which had been enforced by the Trump administration, sought to limit the scope of transgender care provided to minors, arguing that such procedures could be harmful or premature for young individuals. However, Judge Hurson’s decision has temporarily halted the implementation of this order, acknowledging the significant harm it could cause to transgender youth.
In his ruling, Judge Hurson highlighted the distress and mental health challenges faced by plaintiffs who were affected by the sudden suspension of essential medical care. The court found that the interruption of these medical services had led to increased anxiety, depression, heightened gender dysphoria, and the potential for severe distress, including suicide risk. Hurson pointed out that the disruptions could lead to "unwanted physical changes" and fear of discrimination.
This decision comes after a temporary restraining order was issued last month, which allowed healthcare providers to resume services that were previously halted due to the Trump administration's order. Hurson's preliminary injunction will remain in place until the court reaches a final decision on the case.
While the plaintiffs celebrate the ruling as a victory, the Trump administration has opposed the lawsuit, arguing that the plaintiffs’ claims were based on hypothetical harms. The administration’s defense noted that the plaintiffs’ issues were contingent upon how institutions responded to the executive order, making the harm speculative.
The legal battle comes amidst broader political and legal tensions over executive power and judicial authority. Vice President JD Vance has publicly criticized what he perceives as judicial overreach by federal judges who block Trump-era policies, suggesting they are improperly curbing the executive branch's authority. The ruling has sparked a wave of Republican criticism, with figures like Senator Tom Cotton and Representative Jim Jordan defending Trump’s policies.
As the case moves forward, the judicial system will continue to play a central role in determining the future of transgender medical care access for minors in the U.S.
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