Kaiser Permanente announced plans to halt gender-affirming surgeries for individuals under 19, starting next month. The nonprofit health organization, based in Oakland, California, and serving over 12 million members across eight states, cited a shifting “legal and regulatory environment” around gender-affirming care, particularly in light of recent actions by the Trump administration aimed at restricting access to prescription medications.
The health giant noted that the federal government has increasingly scrutinized gender-affirming care for minors since January. On his inauguration day, President Trump signed an executive order stating that the U.S. officially recognizes only two genders, male and female, while further restricting federal funding for what he termed “gender ideology.” Shortly after, he released another order aimed at ending federal support for gender-affirming care for adolescents, calling such care a “stain on our country’s history.”
While some federal judges blocked aspects of these orders—which threatened to cut funding for agencies providing gender-affirming care to minors—Trump continued to campaign for a ban on this care for young people. He urged lawmakers to enact legislation permanently prohibiting gender transition for minors and labeled the concept of children “trapped in the wrong body” as a falsehood. His administration also issued communications that further limited access to transition-related care.
Earlier this month, the Department of Justice sent subpoenas to various doctors and clinics involved in transgender medical procedures for children as part of an investigation into alleged health care fraud.
In light of these developments, Kaiser stated it must weigh the significant risks posed to its healthcare system and its patients. “After significant discussions with our experts and physicians,” they said, “we’ve decided to suspend surgical treatments for those under 19 by August 29, 2025. However, all other gender-affirming treatments will remain available.” The organization emphasized its ongoing discussions with regulators and affected communities to responsibly navigate these changes.
Other healthcare institutions have made similar moves; for instance, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles closed its center for transgender health under pressure from the Trump administration. Likewise, a Children’s Hospital in Washington announced it would stop prescribing gender-affirming medications by August 30, citing legal concerns.
Responses from healthcare professionals have been critical. The California Nurse Association, representing around 25,000 nurses, condemned Kaiser’s decision. “This is about the politicization of healthcare,” said a nurse from Kaiser San Francisco. “Healthcare providers—not politicians—understand what patients need. Gender-affirming care is safe and effective.”
California State Senator Scott Weiner also criticized Kaiser’s decision. He pointed out that state law mandates that healthcare systems cannot refuse care to transgender individuals. “This is a direct denial of treatment for young people,” he asserted, noting the need for adherence to existing anti-discrimination laws.
California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, highlighted that hospitals and clinics are legally obligated to continue providing gender-affirming services, irrespective of federal pressures to cease. “Let’s be clear,” he stated, “California laws have not changed, and agencies must provide equal access to healthcare services.”
Chloe Cole, a conservative activist against gender-affirming care who has previously sued Kaiser for medical negligence, celebrated the news. In a social media post, she expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for “protecting our children,” framing the suspension of surgical care as a victory.
