VideoAnalysisBased on factual reporting, it incorporates the expertise of the writer and may offer interpretations and conclusions.

How Trump’s attack on gender-affirming care for youth could impact trans adults

ANALYSIS: From rejecting WPATH to a chill on doctors, we break down how the president’s executive order might influence care for adults in addition to young people

By Mel Woods • January 29, 2025 6:16 pm EDT

This week, U.S. president Donald Trump issued yet another anti-trans executive order full of misinformation, bad science and dangerous lies about trans people, this time taking aim at gender-affirming care for youth. 

The order seeks to end gender-affirming medical treatments for people under the age of 19—yeah, that includes 18-year-olds—including surgery, puberty blockers and HRT access, and says the federal government will not “fund, sponsor, promote, assist or support” gender-affirming treatment for young people.

But there are certain details within the order that nod to potential restrictions on gender-affirming care access for adults too. Senior editor Mel Woods breaks down what you need to know.

More From This Contributor

Senior editor Mel Woods is an English-speaking Vancouver-based writer, editor and audio producer and a former associate editor with HuffPost Canada. A proud prairie queer and ranch dressing expert, their work has also appeared in Vice, Slate, the Tyee, the CBC, the Globe and Mail and the Walrus.

Read More About:
Video, Health, Power, Trans Health, Politics, Analysis, Video, Donald Trump, Trans, Youth, United States

Keep Reading

Immigration & Refugees

Canadian judge halts deportation of non-binary American

The ruling could set a massive precedent for trans and non-binary Americans seeking refuge in Canada amidst Trump’s wave of anti-trans attacks
Politics

Canada reportedly considered advisory for trans travellers to the U.S.

A new report from Reuters shows that Canadian officials struggled to advise travellers on Trump’s trans policies following his January executive order
FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson testifies in Washington, DC.
Politics

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission takes aim at gender-affirming care

ANALYSIS: The U.S. government agency hosted an event about the “dangers” of gender-affirming care for minors. But that’s not what the FTC does at all.
Censorship

What does Moms For Liberty have to do with Alberta’s new school library standards?

ANALYSIS: A new report found Alberta officials referenced a book rating website with ties to the controversial advocacy group