DEVELOPING: Pediatricians Unite Against Trump's Plan to Strip Transgender Care from Youth

Breaking News: Pediatricians Unite Against Trump's Plan to Strip Transgender Care from Youth The Trump administration has announced a proposed rule that would ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth under the age of 18, effective immediately. Under this rule, hospitals providing such care would risk losing all Medicaid and Medicare funding. This drastic measure has sparked an immediate backlash from pediatricians, who argue that the evidence supporting gender-affirming care remains unchanged. Dr. Kade Goepferd, founder of the Children's Minnesota Gender Health Program, expressed "a mix of sadness and frustration" over the administration's actions. The proposed rule marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration's efforts to restrict access to healthcare for transgender individuals. Federal health officials have repeatedly stated that the move is aimed at protecting children from "harmful" medical interventions. Pediatricians and medical experts have long advocated for the importance of gender-affirming care in improving the mental and physical health of transgender youth. The American Academy of Pediatrics has consistently supported the provision of such care, citing its benefits in reducing anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. As the situation unfolds, pediatricians and advocates are preparing to push back against the proposed rule. This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.