19 states sue HHS over a move that could curtail youth gender-affirming care

Thursday, December 25, 2025 -Nineteen U.S. states have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), challenging a recent federal move that could limit access to gender-affirming care for minors. 

The states argue that the policy oversteps federal authority and interferes with parental rights and state healthcare regulations. HHS maintains that the guidance aims to ensure patient safety, but opponents claim it could restrict medically recognized treatments for transgender youth at a critical stage of care.

Legal experts note that the lawsuit could set a nationwide precedent, affecting how states regulate healthcare for minors and the federal government’s role in such policies. 

The case is expected to move quickly through the courts, with both sides preparing for a high-stakes legal battle that could influence healthcare access for thousands of young people across the country. Public attention on the issue is high, with advocacy groups on both sides mobilizing support and raising awareness about potential consequences.

Healthcare providers warn that uncertainty created by the lawsuit could disrupt care for transgender youth, potentially delaying treatments and counseling. Families and advocacy organizations are calling for clarity, emphasizing that timely access to gender-affirming care is critical for mental health and overall well-being. 

The outcome of the case could reshape the national conversation on healthcare, state authority, and the rights of transgender minors in the United States.