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VA Ends Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Veterans Following Trump Executive Order

The Department of Veterans Affairs will no longer provide hormone therapy or other gender-affirming treatments to new transgender patients, redirecting funds to support severely injured veterans.

Overview

  • The VA announced the immediate phase-out of gender-affirming care, including hormone therapy and prosthetics, for transgender veterans not already receiving such treatments.
  • This policy change aligns with President Trump's executive order defining gender as binary and fixed at birth, prohibiting federal funding for gender-affirming treatments.
  • Transgender veterans currently receiving care through the VA or the military before discharge are exempt from the new restrictions and can continue treatment.
  • Funds previously allocated for gender-affirming care will be redirected to assist veterans with severe injuries, such as amputees and paralyzed veterans.
  • Advocacy groups and medical professionals have criticized the decision, citing heightened mental health risks, including increased suicide rates, among transgender veterans.