Judge Blocks HHS Declaration on Transgender Treatments
Why this is here: The judge referenced a concerning pattern of governance, stating the government seemed to be acting by issuing declarations and then "seeing if we can get away with it," highlighting a disregard for established legal procedures.
A Biden-appointed federal judge rejected a declaration by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Judge Mustafa Kasubhai in Oregon ruled Kennedy exceeded his authority. The December declaration stated that “sex-rejecting procedures” for children were “neither safe nor effective.”
The ruling provides relief to health professionals offering these treatments. Twenty blue states and Washington, D.C., filed the lawsuit challenging the declaration. They argued it unlawfully attempted to override medical standards.
The government contended the declaration was a non-binding policy position exempt from standard rule-making requirements. Kasubhai disagreed, stating the government acted as if it would “break it and see what others will do.” New York Attorney General Letitia James praised the ruling, saying it protects patients and providers.