Story perspectives

19 States Sue HHS Over Youth Gender-Affirming Care Access

12/24/2025

Center

James Challenges HHS

A coalition of 19 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to challenge a declaration labeling youth gender-affirming treatments as unsafe, led by Letitia James, New York Attorney General.
The suit argues that the declaration is inaccurate and threatens access to transgender youth care.
HHS proposed rules would restrict Medicaid and Medicare funding for gender-affirming care.

Right

Judge Benitez Rules

Judge Roger Benitez of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California ruled that California's policies concealing students' gender transitions from parents are unconstitutional and issued a permanent injunction.
The ruling stems from a class-action suit by teachers and parents challenging the state's gender secrecy policies.
Critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union, say the ruling targets transgender rights.
The decision affects all public schools in California.

History

Historical Context

In May 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage was a constitutional right, leading to over 18,000 marriages before Proposition 8 passed in November 2008, banning it. This sparked widespread protests and legal challenges, culminating in the 2010 federal ruling that deemed Proposition 8 unconstitutional, reflecting ongoing struggles for LGBTQ+ rights and influencing current debates on gender identity policies.

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James Challenges HHS

A coalition of 19 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to challenge a declaration labeling youth gender-affirming treatments as unsafe, led by Letitia James, New York Attorney General.
The suit argues that the declaration is inaccurate and threatens access to transgender youth care.
HHS proposed rules would restrict Medicaid and Medicare funding for gender-affirming care.

1 / 3