After House Republicans approved a measure that forbids taxpayer dollars from funding gender-reversible treatments, Democrats have rallied against this language, arguing that it appears to suggest a prohibition on necessary medical care. They believe this move is an attempt to mislead the public.
The version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that passed in the House includes a ban on federal Medicaid and Affordable Care Act funding for “gender transition procedures for all ages” across the country. In response, Democrats and progressive groups have claimed that the GOP’s spending proposal aims to cut what they categorize as “medically unnecessary care.”
However, Terry Schilling, president of APP, disputes this narrative, labeling it a falsehood designed to sway public opinion against the idea that taxpayer money should cover transgender procedures. He emphasized that the focus of their proposed changes is on what he calls “cosmetic sex change procedures” funded by taxes.
“They’re using powerful language to create confusion,” Schilling told Fox News. “What we’re addressing here is about not using tax money for procedures that seem more cosmetic than essential.”
Following the passage of this GOP funding package last month, the Congressional Equality Caucus urged that Congress should prioritize making healthcare more affordable instead of restricting funding for medically necessary treatments.
According to Schilling, the accusation that Republicans are denying necessary medical care is misleading. He referred to the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH), a respected source for transgender health guidelines, which he claims indicates that there’s no universal approach to treating gender discomfort. He pointed out that these guidelines state that not all treatments are medically necessary.
“These procedures are not essential; they’re cosmetic,” Schilling asserted. “The standards note that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, which means not everyone really needs medical transition. True medical necessity implies critical health needs, and their own guidelines suggest it’s not a blanket requirement.”
Schilling criticized the narrative around gender care, suggesting inconsistency in how it’s being communicated. He argued that the intent is to clear up misconceptions while advancing significant legislative changes.
In a separate statement, the Human Rights Campaign contended that “gender-affirming care” is recognized as a best practice by major medical organizations nationwide, contributing positively to mental health outcomes for transgender youth. They emphasized that medical choices should ultimately rest with patients, families, and healthcare professionals, not political initiatives.
Schilling mentioned conducting polls regarding public opinion on taxpayer funding for gender transition and concluded that most Americans favor banning such procedures for individuals under 18, while supporting personal funding for those over 18.
The Congressional Equality Caucus did not comment on this topic when contacted.
