17 States Challenge Federal Restrictions on Youth Gender-Affirming Care as Pelosi Pledges National Support

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has publicly affirmed her commitment to securing gender-affirming care for transgender youth at a national level, stating, "We are hoping that we can have gender-affirming care for our trans kids." Her remarks came during a visit to the San Francisco VA Medical Center where she addressed reporters' questions regarding recent pauses in gender-affirming care within California. Pelosi emphasized her active engagement in this issue at the national level.

Pelosi's statement aligns with a broader legal initiative, as a coalition of 17 Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C., filed a lawsuit in July to challenge federal restrictions on gender-affirming care for individuals under 19. This legal action targets a January executive order by the Trump administration, which threatens healthcare providers offering such treatments with criminal investigations and potential cuts to federal funding. The lawsuit argues against the administration's efforts to impose a nationwide ban on these procedures.

The Trump administration's executive order, coupled with memos from Attorney General Pam Bondi and Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, directs the Department of Justice to prioritize investigations and prosecutions against doctors, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies involved in gender-affirming care for minors. In response to these federal pressures, several prominent healthcare providers have announced changes to their services. Kaiser Permanente, for instance, paused gender-affirming surgeries for patients under 19, effective August 29, while Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., also stated it would no longer provide gender transition-related medical interventions.

Pelosi, a long-standing advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, indicated that her office, along with several colleagues, displays the transgender pride flag, underscoring her personal commitment to inclusion. She acknowledged the significant opposition from many Republicans on Capitol Hill regarding medical transition for transgender youth, highlighting the deep political divide surrounding the issue.

The legal and regulatory landscape for gender-affirming care remains complex, with some states enacting protections for transgender youth, while others implement restrictions or bans. Pelosi's efforts at the national level seek to counter these limitations and ensure continued access to care, reflecting an ongoing national debate over healthcare access for transgender minors.