New York Attorney General Letitia James, along with a coalition of 17 other attorneys general, has taken legal action in support of transgender youth and their families. This move is part of a lawsuit against the Trump administration's new restrictions on gender-affirming medical care. The coalition filed an amicus brief in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, urging the court to grant a preliminary injunction to block two Executive Orders issued by President Trump.
Attorney General James stated, "The Trump administration’s policies against gender-affirming care are a direct attack on the rights, dignity, and well-being of transgender youth across our country." She emphasized that these orders are not based on science or law and disrupt access to necessary medical care.
The Executive Orders in question reject gender identity as distinct from biological sex and ban federal funds from supporting "gender ideology." They also prohibit gender-affirming care for individuals under nineteen, threatening institutions that provide such care with funding cuts. According to Attorney General James and her colleagues, these actions conflict with state laws protecting access to gender-affirming health care.
Major medical organizations have recognized gender-affirming care as essential. Studies indicate that denying this care can lead to increased mental health issues among transgender youth. The attorneys general warn that the administration's actions could cause lasting harm and prevent states from safeguarding their residents' health.
The brief highlights severe impacts already observed due to these policies, including disruptions in healthcare services and increased mental health crises among transgender youth. Following the Executive Orders, facilities nationwide have halted gender-affirming care due to fears of losing federal funding.
In New York specifically, hospitals like NYU Langone Hospital System have canceled appointments and suspended treatment for minors following these orders. Joining Attorney General James in filing the amicus brief are attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.