In a parallel action, the HHS Office of Civil Rights announced a proposal to exclude gender dysphoria from the definition of a disability. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters to multiple manufacturers of chest-binding vests used by individuals with gender dysphoria, stipulating these products can only be marketed for FDA-approved medical uses. The move to impose such restrictions would align with a broader agenda that medical professionals and advocacy groups argue could risk the well-being of transgender youth, as noted by experts from The Trevor Project and the American Academy of Pediatrics, according to sfgate, cbsnews, and latimes.

Health officials and advocates strongly criticized these proposals, asserting they contradict guidance from major medical organizations like the American Medical Association, which has cautioned against restricting care for gender dysphoria. They argue that health decisions should be left to patients, families, and physicians, not dictated by political agendas. “The government’s actions today make that task harder, if not impossible, for families of gender-diverse and transgender youth,” remarked Dr. Susan Kressly, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, as cited by sfgate, cbsnews, and latimes.

These newly proposed rules also correspond with previous actions taken by the Trump administration to limit transgender rights, including executive orders recognizing only two immutable sexes and restricting transgender participation in sports. On Wednesday, legislation was passed in the House that could result in prison time for healthcare providers treating minors for gender dysphoria, highlighting the ongoing political conflicts surrounding transgender healthcare in the U.S., according to sfgate, cbsnews, and latimes.