Health policy debate grows around gender-affirming care as courts and states act

A Fox News opinion column argues that there is nothing compassionate about gender-affirming care, contending that the practice is toxic and unloving. The author links a spate of shootings by transgender-identified individuals since 2018 to what she describes as an affirming culture, and highlights a Minneapolis Catholic school shooting attributed to a trans-identifying male as part of a broader pattern. The column asserts there have been at least seven such shootings, while noting that mainstream outlets frequently underreport these cases.

According to the column, care for minors seeking gender transitions often begins with puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, with parents sometimes pressured to consent. It argues that these interventions do more than pause development, risking infertility, osteoporosis, and other long term health effects, and that many patients ultimately undergo life changing surgeries.

The piece frames the issue as a broader cultural conflict, characterizing empathy as incompatible with what it calls delusions and urging a return to beliefs that oppose affirming identities. It appeals to a religious framing and contrasts biblical compassion with support for gender transition.

Legal and policy actions are cited: The column notes a federal court ruling rejecting a challenge to an Oklahoma law banning gender transition treatment for minors. It also points to a broader policy landscape, saying 27 states have passed laws to shield children from what it calls gender-affirming care, while 28 lawsuits have been filed against providers alleging wrongful death or malpractice. Additionally, the article cites state bans and a number of hospital or clinic closures or pause in gender-affirming services.

Healthcare organizations and players: The article mentions the American Medical Association as opposing state restrictions on gender-affirming care, and raises a question about potential influence from drug companies on the AMA.

National politics and policy actions: The column notes that the Trump administration issued an executive order to protect children under 19 from puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or sex-change surgeries. It cites a May 2025 Health and Human Services report that allegedly found gender-affirming care can cause irreversible harm. It also mentions that the Department of Justice is reportedly considering restricting guns for trans-identifying people.

The piece argues for expanded access to mental health services while opposing gender-affirming care, and advocates for the possibility of conversion therapy in some form. It notes that 24 states plus Washington, D.C., have banned conversion therapy, with five states enacting partial bans.

Policy and research calls: The article calls for careful study of cross-sex hormones in concert with other medications and urges NIH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to examine the impact of these therapies. It also notes that concern about gender-affirming care has led some hospitals and clinics to close or pause gender-affirming procedures.

Conclusion: The column frames the issue as a health policy crisis and asserts that broader truth and mental health support should guide care for young people, while signaling a rejection of the current gender-affirming care model.