Efforts to address gender dysphoria among minors should include mental health counseling and compassionate care. Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services, Admiral Brian Christine, has voiced concerns about the use of hormone blockers and surgeries, which might have irreversible effects. Christine supports the Trump administration’s move to stop Medicaid and CHIP from funding these treatments.
Gender dysphoria is a recognized condition that affects some children. According to Christine, there has been a notable increase in diagnoses, suggesting a social trend rather than just epidemiological reasons. Medical professionals understand that many minors with this condition may overcome it with proper counseling.
“What you don’t want to do is carry out treatments with castrating chemicals or cross-sex hormones or surgeries that can result in potentially lifelong complications,” Christine stated.
The new rule means Medicaid and CHIP will not financially support these procedures, although they will not be banned outright. This policy aims to save taxpayer money and protect children from potential harm.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz explained that cutting federal funds for what he calls “sex-rejecting procedures” aligns with scientific guidance and helps protect children. The administration insists that the science currently backs mental health care and counseling over medical interventions.
President Donald Trump has expressed strong opposition to these medical procedures, labeling them as “barbaric” in a public post. This decision follows increasing restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors in 27 states, as reported by a health policy group, KFF.
The new rule, effective from October 13, allows a six-month transition period for children currently receiving hormone-based treatments. This measure intends to gradually discontinue these treatments rather than end them abruptly.
Christine, a urologist responsible for public health programs, mentioned that historically, gender dysphoria primarily occurred in a small percentage of adult males. Describing the recent surge in diagnoses among minors, particularly young girls, Christine criticized the influence of social ideologies that disregard biological differences between sexes.