HHS Publishes Report on Pediatric Gender Affirming Care

On May 1, HHS released its Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria: Review of Evidence and Best Practices, concluding “that many U.S. medical professionals and associations have fallen short of their duty to prioritize the health interests of young patients” in treating minors with gender dysphoria. In response, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and the US Professional Association for Transgender Health (USPATH) issued a critique of the report the very next day. In particular, WPATH emphasizes the need for ongoing research into outcomes for transgender children alongside with making developmentally appropriate clinical services available. WPATH posits that ceasing research funding and blocking gender affirming interventions are a threat to the health and dignity of transgender children. This Report is one of many actions various federal agencies have taken related to gender-affirming care for minors. For instance, on April 22, 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memorandum directing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate providers of gender-affirming care to minors. (See our discussion of the Memo here.) Following the release of the Gender Dysphoria Report, HHS sent a letter to health care providers, risk managers, and medical boards noting HHS’ expectation that providers would review the Gender Dysphoria Report and “make the necessary updates to … treatment protocols and training…,” while CMS sent letters to “select hospitals” requesting information on “medical interventions for gender dysphonia in children.”