Nineteen States File Lawsuit Against HHS in Response to Proposed Curtailment of Youth Gender-Affirming Care

December 24, 2025 | Theo Ramirez

An alliance comprising 19 states with the District of Columbia has taken legal action against the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, comes in response to a contentious declaration that critics assert poses significant challenges to accessing gender-affirming medical care for young individuals. This legal move underscores the growing debate surrounding healthcare rights and transgender issues in the United States.

Central to the lawsuit is the assertion that the HHS declaration is unconstitutional, constituting a barrier to necessary medical services for transgender youth. The states argue that the federal government's stance directly undermines the rights and protections that have been increasingly recognized at both state and federal levels. The suit seeks to preserve existing access to treatments that advocates say are critical for the mental and physical well-being of transgender minors.

The litigation reflects the broader national conversation on gender identity and healthcare access, highlighting a profound division in perspectives between different regions and administrations. The plaintiff states emphasize the need for clarity and consistency in medical guidelines, fearing that the current declaration could lead to patchwork access and disparities across state lines.

As the case unfolds, it is likely to ignite further discourse on the balance between federal authority and state rights in the realm of healthcare, with outcomes that could set significant precedents. The coalition is urging for an immediate suspension of the HHS declaration until judicial review, pointing to the urgent implications for affected families and healthcare providers. Meanwhile, the administration defends its position as a measure to ensure safe and scientifically-backed medical practices, leaving it to the courts to determine the path forward.

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