Attorney General Anne Lopez, alongside 13 other attorneys general, has issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding access to gender-affirming care. This action comes in response to an Executive Order from the Trump Administration.
The coalition's statement emphasizes their support for healthcare policies that uphold individual dignity and rights. "As state attorneys general, we stand firmly in support of healthcare policies that respect the dignity and rights of all people," the statement reads. They argue that health care decisions should be made by patients, families, and doctors rather than politicians seeking to limit freedoms. The statement further describes gender-affirming care as "essential, lifesaving medical treatment" crucial for individuals living authentically.
The attorneys general criticized the Trump Administration’s Executive Order as being incorrect both scientifically and legally. They refute any suggested link between "female genital mutilation" and gender-affirming care, asserting that no federal law deems such care unlawful. The coalition states that President Trump cannot alter this legality through an Executive Order.
A recent court ruling directed the federal government to resume funding previously halted by the Trump Administration. Following this decision, the Department of Justice issued a notice indicating that federal agencies are prohibited from halting or impeding awards or obligations based on recent executive orders or memos from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Consequently, funding for institutions providing gender-affirming care remains unaffected by President Trump's order.
The group pledges continued enforcement of state laws supporting access to gender-affirming care where they have jurisdictional authority. Additionally, they commit to opposing any unlawful attempts by the Trump Administration to limit such access within their states.
Joining Attorney General Lopez in this declaration are her counterparts from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.