Breaking News: 19 States Launch Surprise Lawsuit Against HHS Over Youth Gender-Affirming Care Restrictions

A coalition of 19 states and the District of Columbia has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., over a declaration that could restrict access to gender-affirming care for young people. The lawsuit was filed on Tuesday, December 24, 2025.

The HHS declaration, issued last Thursday, labels treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries as "unsafe and ineffective" for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria. The declaration also warns doctors that they could be excluded from federal health programs like Medicare and Medicaid if they provide these types of care.

The lawsuit aims to block the implementation of the HHS declaration, which could have immediate and far-reaching consequences for young people seeking gender-affirming care. The 19 states and the District of Columbia are seeking a court order to prevent the HHS from enforcing the declaration.

The HHS declaration is a response to growing concerns about the safety and efficacy of gender-affirming care for minors. However, critics argue that the declaration is based on flawed science and ignores the experiences of transgender and non-binary individuals.

The lawsuit is currently pending in federal court, and a hearing is expected to be scheduled in the coming days. This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.