"RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz Launch Nationwide Crusade Against Minors' Gender-Affirming Care"

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz Announce Nationwide Bid to Halt Gender-Affirming Care for Minors In a move that has sparked widespread concern among the LGBTQ+ community, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Medicare and Medicaid Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz announced sweeping restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors, effectively limiting access to essential healthcare services for transgender youth across the US. According to sources, the proposed rules aim to prohibit federal funding for hospitals providing pediatric gender-affirming care, further exacerbating existing healthcare disparities for vulnerable young people. The announcement, made at a press conference at the headquarters of the Department of Health and Human Services on December 18, 2025, is expected to have far-reaching consequences for transgender youth and their families. The proposed rules are set to take effect immediately, with the goal of essentially banning gender-affirming care for transgender young people, even in states where it is still legal. According to NPR News, the Trump administration is expected to announce several moves that will have the effect of essentially banning gender-affirming care for transgender young people. The proposed rules are part of a broader effort to restrict access to reproductive healthcare services, including abortion and birth control. The proposed restrictions on gender-affirming care are a significant blow to the LGBTQ+ community, who face disproportionate barriers to healthcare and social acceptance. "This move is a devastating blow to the transgender community, who already face significant barriers to accessing healthcare," said a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign. "We urge the administration to reconsider this decision and prioritize the health and well-being of all young people, regardless of their gender identity." The proposed rules are expected to have a disproportionate impact on low-income and marginalized communities, who already face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, the proposed restrictions on gender-affirming care are a clear example of the administration's ongoing efforts to restrict access to reproductive healthcare services. The proposed rules are also expected to face significant opposition from medical professionals and advocacy groups. "As a pediatrician, I can attest to the importance of providing gender-affirming care to young people," said Dr. Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health. "These proposed rules are a clear example of the administration's disregard for the health and well-being of all young people, regardless of their gender identity." The current status of the proposed rules is unclear, but it is expected that they will face significant opposition from lawmakers and advocacy groups. The next steps in this process are uncertain, but one thing is clear: the proposed restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors are a significant blow to the LGBTQ+ community and a clear example of the administration's ongoing efforts to restrict access to reproductive healthcare services. In a statement, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said, "We are committed to ensuring that all young people have access to the healthcare services they need, regardless of their gender identity." However, many experts and advocacy groups remain skeptical of the administration's intentions and are urging lawmakers to take action to protect the rights of transgender youth. As the debate over the proposed rules continues, one thing is clear: the future of gender-affirming care for minors hangs in the balance. The proposed restrictions on gender-affirming care are a significant blow to the LGBTQ+ community and a clear example of the administration's ongoing efforts to restrict access to reproductive healthcare services.