Lawyers from various states file a lawsuit against Trump for allegedly targeting healthcare professionals who offer gender identification services to transgender youth.
In a significant move, a coalition of 16 Democratic state attorneys general and Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania have filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration. The lawsuit, filed on August 1, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, aims to challenge President Trump's efforts to restrict access to gender-transition drugs and surgeries for minors [1][2][3].
The lawsuit targets President Trump's January 28 executive order, "Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation," and the Department of Justice’s directives to investigate clinicians providing gender-affirming care to youth [1][2]. The plaintiffs argue that these actions unlawfully infringe on states' rights and deny patients medically necessary healthcare [1][2].
The Trump administration's efforts, according to the attorneys general, have created a chilling effect, with providers fearing prosecution and scaling back care, leaving many without access to essential treatments [1][2]. The coalition includes officials from California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, the District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania's Governor Josh Shapiro [1][2].
The lawsuit notes that the DOJ has sent subpoenas to doctors and clinics nationwide and threatened criminal prosecution, leading some gender clinics to curtail or suspend services [1][2]. The plaintiffs seek to vacate the executive order entirely, claiming it exceeds federal authority and undermines state laws protecting access to gender-affirming care [1][2].
Notably, major mainstream medical associations, including the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, Endocrine Society, American Psychological Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, continue to advocate for the practice of gender identity care [1].
The lawsuit was filed at a federal court in Boston. Other states, including those that brought the lawsuit, have enacted laws to protect access to such care for their residents [1]. As of August 1, 2025, no official response from the White House or DOJ has been reported, and the case is currently pending in federal court [2].
It's important to note that no federal law prohibits or criminalizes the provision or receipt of gender-affirming care for transgender adolescents [1]. Moreover, the bans, which cover puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries, are rarely performed on minors [1].
This lawsuit is part of an attempt by advocates for trans youth to stave off steps Trump has taken to end access to gender identity care in the US and rollback trans rights more broadly [1]. The current status of the case may have significant implications for the future of gender-affirming care for minors in the United States.
References: [1] CNN, Alejandra Jaramillo and Jen Christensen, "Democratic state attorneys general sue Trump administration over gender-transition drugs and surgeries for minors," August 1, 2025. [2] Associated Press, "Lawsuit filed against Trump administration over gender identity care for minors," August 1, 2025. [3] The New York Times, "Democratic Attorneys General Sue Trump Administration Over Transgender Care," August 1, 2025.
- The lawsuit against the Trump administration targets its attempts to restrict access to medical care related to gender transition for minors.
- The plaintiffs argue that the actions of the Trump administration infringe on states' rights and deny patients medically necessary healthcare.
- The lawsuit notes that the Department of Justice has sent subpoenas to doctors and clinics nationwide, threatening criminal prosecution.
- Some gender clinics have curtailted or suspended services due to the DOJ's threats.
- The coalition seeking to vacate the executive order includes state attorneys general and the governor of Pennsylvania.
- Major medical associations such as the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics continue to advocate for gender identity care.
- No federal law prohibits or criminalizes the provision or receipt of gender-affirming care for transgender adolescents.
- The bans, which cover puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries, are rarely performed on minors.
- The lawsuit was filed at a federal court in Boston and has significant implications for the future of gender-affirming care for minors in the United States.
- This lawsuit is part of a broader effort to protect trans youth rights and stave off efforts to end access to gender identity care in the US, as the Trump administration has taken steps to rollback trans rights more broadly.
