In a move sparking international debate, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order banning the use of U.S. federal funds for child sex-change surgeries and so-called gender affirming hormone care.
The order, effective immediately, targets what Trump described as a "dangerous trend" that could leave a "stain" on American history.
"It is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called transition of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures," said Trump.
"Any teacher or official that suggests to a child that they were trapped in the wrong body they will face severe consequences, civil rights violations for sex discrimination and elimination of federal funding."
Under the new directive, no federal funds will be allocated to surgeries or hormone treatments for individuals under the age of 19.
The order prohibits the use of androgen blockers, estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone for this purpose. It criticizes medical professionals for engaging in practices that can lead to lifelong medical complications and the potential for sterilization.
Several countries are moving to reconsidering policies related to child sex changes or gender-affirming care for minors, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, U.K., Denmark and France.
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