Clinical Scorecard: States File Lawsuit Against HHS Regarding Youth Gender-Affirming Care Statement

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• HHS issued a declaration labeling gender-affirming treatments for youth as unsafe and ineffective.
• A coalition of 19 states and DC sued HHS to block enforcement of the declaration, citing legal and medical inaccuracies.
• Major medical organizations oppose restrictions on gender-affirming care for young people.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of gender dysphoria based on distress from incongruence between gender identity and sex assigned at birth.

Management

• Gender-affirming care includes puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries.
• Behavioral therapy was suggested by HHS report but is contested by major medical groups.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Consent considerations for adolescents regarding life-changing treatments.
• Ongoing evaluation of treatment efficacy and safety.

Risks

• Concerns raised about potential future infertility from treatments.
• Legal and policy risks due to federal restrictions and state bans.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Children and adolescents with gender dysphoria

Access to gender-affirming care is increasingly limited by federal declarations and state laws, despite medical consensus supporting its necessity.

Clinical Best Practices

• Provide medically necessary gender-affirming care based on established standards of care.
• Respect patient consent and age-appropriate decision-making.
• Advocate for evidence-based policies and oppose restrictions unsupported by medical evidence.

References

• Associated Press Article on Lawsuit Against HHS