Judge Blocks HHS Puberty Blocker Ban

0:00On March 20th, a federal judge and Oregon rule Thursday that the Department of Health and Human Services overstepped by declaring puberty blockers and gender surgeries unsafe and ineffective for youth with gender dysphoria. The decision targeted a December statement from Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., which failed to follow required administrative steps. The declaration threatened to bar doctors from federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid if they offered these treatments. It stemmed from a lawsuit filed by 19 states in the District of Columbia, who argued it bypassed public notice and comment rules needed for, policy shifts. Providers and families welcomed the news, sang it clears confusion, and keeps transgender youth care legal nationwide. Major medical groups have long backed these services, criticizing the government's recent report that pushed behavioral therapy instead. This marks the second big court loss for Kennedy and his department this week. Earlier, a Boston judge paused changes to vaccine policies and advisory committees for skipping

1:02proper procedures. After a six-hour hearing, the judge denied a motion to dismiss and promised a full written order soon. For now, the declaration stays on hold as the case presses ahead.