New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Mar. 19 that a federal judge has ruled the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary cannot use an illegal declaration to restrict health care for transgender youth or threaten providers who offer such care.
The ruling is significant because it addresses concerns about access to medical treatment for transgender young people, as well as the ability of families and providers to make decisions without fear of federal retaliation. The decision clarifies that health care services for transgender youth remain legal and that providers cannot be punished by exclusion from Medicare or Medicaid programs.
James said, “So much of the conversation around transgender health care has lost sight of the real people harmed by the federal government’s attacks. Young people are losing access to life-saving treatment, families are being left in the dark, and medical providers are being threatened just for doing their jobs and following standards of care.” She added, “Today’s win breaks through the noise and gives some needed clarity to patients, families, and providers. Health care services for transgender young people remain legal, and the federal government cannot intimidate or punish the providers who offer them.”
In December, James led a coalition of attorneys general and governors in filing a lawsuit against Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s declaration that labeled certain forms of transgender health care as unsafe and ineffective. The declaration also threatened penalties against doctors, hospitals, and clinics providing this care by excluding them from federal programs.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon verbally granted summary judgment in favor of James’ coalition, finding the declaration unlawful and unenforceable. A written decision is expected to follow.
James concluded her statement by saying, “It is my duty and my privilege to stand with trans New Yorkers and their families. I will always fight for the LGBTQ+ community.”
The New York Attorney General promotes social justice through civil rights enforcement and consumer advocacy according to its official website. The office also protects New Yorkers by ensuring public safety, defending civil rights, upholding consumer protections, preserving the environment according to its official website, operates through regional offices across New York State according to its official website, provides services such as consumer fraud investigations and tenant dispute mediation according to its official website, functions as a public law enforcement agency according to its official website, and is headed by Letitia James according to its official website.
