United States: Federal Funding for Sex Changes for Minors Stopped

Donald Trump has signed an executive order to ban the use of federal funds for sex change procedures for minors. The provision targets surgical procedures, but also hormone treatment and puberty blockers.
The text specifies that the federal government "shall not finance, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called 'transition' of a child from one sex to another" and that "laws prohibiting or limiting these procedures must be strictly enforced.”
The document calls for government agencies to review health policies based on data from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), which it describes as "lacking scientific integrity."
The order also states that it is “to rescind or modify all policies that rely on WPATH guidance,” because “its recommendations are not based on sound scientific research and have promoted experimental treatments with irreversible consequences.”
Additionally, the order states that federal health insurance programs should exclude funding for sex-change procedures for minors. This is intended to “protect children from medical procedures that could cause irreversible physical and psychological harm.”
Finally, the order defines “chemical and surgical mutilation,” referring to the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapies to alter physical appearance, and surgeries that alter or remove sexual organs. These are practices that “endanger the health of minors and should not be encouraged by the state.”
Groups opposed to such procedures on minors applauded the order. Matt Sharp, a senior adviser to the Alliance Defending Freedom, said the measure “protects children from irreversible treatments that have left many young people with physical and emotional scars.”
LGBTI organizations called the order “a restriction that could harm transgender minors.” The Human Rights Campaign said the measure “is a direct attack on the rights of transgender children and their families” and warned of the potential consequences of withdrawing federal support for such treatments.
The order comes amid a debate over regulating gender reassignment treatments for minors, a hotly debated issue. In recent years, some states have passed laws restricting the procedures, while others have legislated to ensure access.
(Sources : LSN/InfoCatolica – FSSPX.Actualités)
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