Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, along with 14 other attorneys general, has issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to protecting access to gender-affirming care. This move comes in response to recent actions by the Trump Administration.
The coalition of attorneys general emphasized their support for healthcare policies that respect individual rights and dignity. They stated, "Health care decisions should be made by patients, families, and doctors, not by a politician trying to use his power to restrict your freedoms." They described gender-affirming care as "essential, life-saving medical treatment."
The statement criticized the Trump Administration's recent Executive Order, asserting it is incorrect both scientifically and legally. The attorneys general clarified that there is no connection between "female genital mutilation" and gender-affirming care and highlighted that no federal law prohibits such care. They stated firmly that "President Trump cannot change that by Executive Order."
Recently, a federal court ruled in favor of the attorneys general, directing the federal government to resume funding previously frozen by the Trump Administration. Following this decision, the Department of Justice notified that “federal agencies cannot pause, freeze, impede, block, cancel or terminate any awards or obligations on the basis of the OMB memo or on the basis of the President’s recently issued Executive Orders.” This ensures continued federal funding for institutions providing gender-affirming care.
The group warned they would take further legal action if additional measures are taken to hinder this funding. They also pledged ongoing enforcement of state laws supporting access to gender-affirming care where applicable and vowed to challenge any unlawful attempts by the Trump Administration to limit access within their jurisdictions.
Attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey (represented by Platkin), Nevada, New York, Rhode Island Vermont and Wisconsin joined in issuing this statement.
