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19 States, DC Sue HHS Over Youth Gender Treatment Declaration

Should minors be protected from irreversible gender treatments, or does banning such care constitute government overreach?
19 States, DC Sue HHS Over Youth Gender Treatment Declaration
Above: U.S. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks in Washington D.C. on Dec. 18, 2025. Image credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images

The Spin

Republican narrative

Children lack fully developed brains and shouldn't be permitted to make irreversible medical decisions about gender transitions. Society requires age restrictions for voting, tattoos and alcohol, yet some want to allow minors to undergo permanent chemical and surgical procedures. Protecting children from life-altering medical interventions until adulthood is essential and non-negotiable.

Democratic narrative

Medical decisions should belong to patients and doctors, not politicians seeking to impose government control over health care. Gender-affirming care follows evidence-based standards established by medical professionals, and federal overreach threatens to deny necessary treatment while undermining state authority over medical practice. Protecting access to medically necessary care ensures dignity and freedom for families.


Public Figures


The Controversies



Political split

LEFT

RIGHT



© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0