Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has joined a coalition of states suing to block the Trump administration’s restrictions on medically necessary care for transgender, intersex, and nonbinary youth. The lawsuit challenges recent federal actions that threaten providers with investigations and criminal prosecution for offering gender-affirming care to individuals under 19—even in states where it is legal.
“Gender-affirming care is essential, lifesaving medical treatment that supports individuals in living as their authentic selves, and the decision to pursue such treatment should not involve the federal government. Period. Full stop,” said Attorney General Tong. “And as cruel as it is that this administration is denying transgender youth lifesaving healthcare, it just as disturbing that they are also unlawfully going after providers who provide this type of care by intimidating them into shutting down such services. It’s illegal and immoral, and we refuse to stand idly by as Connecticut families and providers are unjustly targeted by this vindictive administration,” said Attorney General Tong.
The lawsuit argues that the executive orders—signed early in Trump’s term—illegally redefine medical treatments as “chemical and surgical mutilation” and direct the U.S. Department of Justice to take enforcement actions, including subpoenas for private patient data. Attorneys general say these efforts have no legal basis and are causing hospitals to limit services, leading to canceled appointments and patient confusion.
“It’s disappointing for hospitals in Connecticut to be forced to make the difficult decision to end gender-affirming care for minors in response to the federal executive order. These decisions are not based on Connecticut values or Connecticut law—they are part of a series of relentless federal demands that have created fear, confusion, and legal uncertainty for our healthcare providers. To transgender youth and their families in Connecticut: you are not alone. We see you, we support you, and we support the action being taken to address this issue. In Connecticut, we do not turn our backs on kids in need,” said Governor Ned Lamont.
Medical experts, including major national associations, agree that gender-affirming care can be lifesaving and that denying it worsens mental health outcomes. The coalition seeks a court order blocking enforcement of the federal actions.
