Attorney General Kwame Raoul, alongside a coalition of 14 attorneys general, has reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding access to gender-affirming care following an executive order from the Trump administration. The Illinois Human Rights Act mandates that healthcare providers offer services to all residents without discrimination based on sex, which includes gender identity.
The coalition released a statement emphasizing their support for healthcare policies that respect the rights and dignity of individuals. They assert that "health care decisions should be made by patients, families and doctors, not by a politician trying to use his power to restrict your freedoms." The statement also describes gender-affirming care as "essential, lifesaving medical treatment."
Criticism was directed at the Trump administration's recent executive order. The coalition stated, "The Trump administration’s recent executive order is wrong on the science and the law," refuting any suggested connection between female genital mutilation and gender-affirming care. They emphasized that no federal law deems gender-affirming care unlawful.
A recent victory in federal court ensured the continuation of funding previously frozen by the Trump administration. The Department of Justice issued a notice confirming that federal agencies cannot impede or terminate awards based on recent Executive Orders. This ensures ongoing federal funding for institutions providing gender-affirming care.
The coalition pledged continued enforcement of state laws supporting access to such care and vowed legal action against any further attempts by the Trump administration to limit it within their jurisdictions.
Joining Attorney General Raoul are attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.