Attorney General Dan Rayfield has initiated a multi-state federal lawsuit aimed at blocking a presidential order that could terminate federal funding for medical institutions providing gender-affirming care. The executive order, issued by President Trump, also calls for criminal enforcement against medical professionals and patients involved in such care. The lawsuit seeks to prevent federal agencies from implementing this directive.
Rayfield stated, "Families should work directly with their providers, not politicians, to make decisions about personal healthcare." He added, "We will not stand by as the President tries to unilaterally impose his harmful political agenda on Oregonians."
The lawsuit includes participation from the attorneys general of Washington and Minnesota and was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. The states contend that the order violates the 5th Amendment's equal protection guarantee by targeting transgender individuals for discrimination. They argue that Congress has already sanctioned research and education funding for medical institutions, which cannot be overridden unilaterally by the President.
"This is a clear example of federal overreach," said Rayfield. "Banning funding involving gender-affirming care is an infringement on individual rights, and it denies people the dignity and healthcare they deserve."
The states further assert that regulating or criminalizing medical practices in Oregon falls under protections granted by the 10th Amendment. The executive order mandates cutting off federal research and education grants to institutions providing gender-affirming care to those under 19 years old. This could halt hundreds of millions of dollars in grants from reaching state medical schools and hospitals.
Advocacy groups have expressed concerns about patient safety and health following this directive. Basic Rights Oregon reports frequent communications from families about how essential gender-affirming care is for transgender youth.
Kyndall Mason, Executive Director of Basic Rights Oregon, remarked, "This blanket ban on care puts already vulnerable youth at more risk of mental distress and isolation." Mason emphasized the importance of allowing doctors to perform their duties without government interference.
This legal action follows a Rhode Island federal judge's ruling preventing Trump from ceasing funding to a coalition of 22 states, including Oregon.
"We applaud Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield for joining this crucial lawsuit and pushing back against this discriminatory executive order," Mason stated. "To all transgender young people: Know that Oregonians stand with you."