Overview
- U.S. bishops approved revisions to the Ethical and Religious Directives that prohibit surgical, hormonal, chemical and certain genetic interventions intended to alter sexual characteristics.
- Implementation will be determined by local diocesan bishops, creating variability across the country despite a nationwide policy framework.
- The Catholic Health Association endorsed the revisions as consistent with current practice and said Catholic providers will continue welcoming patients who identify as transgender.
- The directive draws on a 2023 U.S. bishops’ doctrinal note and 2024 Vatican guidance, while progressive religious leaders and LGBTQ advocates issued public statements opposing the move.
- The measure passed overwhelmingly in a vote reported as 206–8–7, with some reports also saying the text restricts referrals to outside providers, a detail not uniformly confirmed across coverage.