The “chemical and surgical mutilations” of children should be stopped, the executive order reads
US President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order ending federal support for medical procedures related to so-called gender transitions for people under age 19. The move is part of a broader effort to roll back pro-transgender legislation introduced during the Biden administration.
Issued on Tuesday, the order, titled ‘Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation’, declares that the federal government will no longer fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the “radical and false claim that adults can change a child’s sex through a series of irreversible medical interventions.”
The document, published by the White House, defines ‘child’ and ‘children’ as an individual or individuals under the age of 19. It also clarifies that the phrase “chemical and surgical mutilation” entails puberty blockers, the use of hormones, and surgical procedures.
The executive order urges to end the “child-abusive practices,” arguing that “blatant harm” is done to children under guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), which it says lacks scientific integrity. All US federal agencies have been directed to withdraw policies that rely on the counsel of this organization.
Trump’s order also directs federally run insurance programs, including Tricare for military families and Medicaid, to exclude coverage for such procedures.
The document instructs the Department of Justice to develop relevant legislation, as well as enact a private right of action for children and the parents of children “whose healthy body parts have been damaged” in a so-called sex change.
The federal government will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit “these destructive and life-altering procedures,” the order stated.
Since taking office just over a week ago, Trump has issued multiple gender-related orders asserting that the US government policy is that “there are only two genders – male and female.”
He rolled back protections for transgender rights and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs with the federal government, established during former President Joe Biden’s administration.
On Monday, Trump signed an order intended to eliminate “radical gender ideology” from the US armed forces, which states that military service should be reserved for those who are mentally and physically fit for duty.
