Statewide, national and grassroots leaders across the country reacted in opposition to President Trump’s proposed executive order that would withhold federal funding from institutions providing gender-affirming care to transgender youth under 18.

From the Bay State, among those issuing strongly worded statements explaining their position against the order are US Senator Ed Markey, Attorney General Andrea Campbell and the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts.

From Sen. Markey:

[On Dec. 18], the Trump administration unleashed yet another attack on transgender Americans’ freedom and health. Since Day One, Trump has been relentless in his efforts to deny the existence and needs of transgender Americans. Now, Trump and RFK, Jr. are continuing their crusade against the trans community by making it even harder to access life-saving care. Today’s proposed regulations pose a devastating threat to the health and safety of transgender youth. While this administration claims to be protecting children, the reality is that youth across the country will suffer because of Trump and RFK, Jr.

Let’s make no mistake: The Trump administration’s actions are not based in any medical or scientific evidence. They are entirely fueled by hate and based in this administration’s obsession with controlling what people do with their own bodies. Just like all other families, trans people and their families deserve the right and autonomy to make deeply personal and private decisions about their own health.

We cannot let this administration’s cruel actions go unchecked. I lead the Trans Bill of Rights because it is our moral obligation to ensure that trans people are afforded the same rights as all Americans. Trans people deserve to experience the same freedom, joy, and opportunity afforded to every other American. I will continue to fight for the rights of transgender Americans to exist and access the care they need, because transgender rights are human rights.

From AG Campbell:

“Medically necessary health care for transgender youth saves lives and is essential to their emotional and physical wellbeing. While these proposed rules cruelly target our trans community, they will put millions of Americans’ health care at risk by forcing hospitals and medical providers to choose between receiving Medicaid and Medicare funding or abandoning their adolescent transgender patients. I will continue to stand up for the rule of law and the right of all Massachusetts residents to receive medically necessary health care and am prepared to take action if any unlawful rule is finalized.

Noting also that:

Massachusetts law bars discrimination against transgender patients in health care, including in health insurance. State law prohibits state-regulated health insurance plans from refusing enrollment, unenrolling, or withholding coverage from individuals based on their gender identity or gender dysphoria, and entitles patients to access services of a medical, behavioral health, mental health, surgical, psychiatric, therapeutic, diagnostic, preventative, rehabilitative or supportive nature relating to the treatment of gender dysphoria. 

AG Campbell will strongly oppose the newly proposed rules during the designated comment period and is prepared to take further action should any unlawful rule be finalized.  

From Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts:

From day one, the Trump Administration has targeted trans youth and their health care providers, spreading lies and stoking fear about trans people and trying to restrict access to their care. Cutting federal funding off from providers of this care is just one of many tactics President Trump and his allies are using to try to rip away our rights and freedoms.  

This cruel policy will wipe out gender-affirming care in many parts of the country, endangering the lives of countless young people. But let’s be clear: gender-affirming care saves lives, it is legal and protected in Massachusetts, and there are many providers including Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts that can and will continue providing this care for trans and nonbinary youth. 

Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts will always be here for our trans and gender-diverse patients, and care continues. We will continue to choose compassion over cruelty, science over stigma, and equity over fear.” 

Gender-affirming care has been researched, supported, and deemed medically necessary by major U.S. medical organizations, representing over 1.3 million U.S. doctors. At every stage of care, parents, young people, their families, and their health care providers are making decisions together that are right and safe for them. 

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