Attorney General Neronha, coalition sue to block unlawful attacks on health care for transgender youth
Published on Friday, August 01, 2025
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today joined 16 attorneys general and one governor in filing a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict access to necessary healthcare for transgender youth.
The lawsuit targets recent federal actions aimed at deterring providers from offering medically appropriate care to individuals under age 19, even in states like Rhode Island where such care is legal and protected. The lawsuit argues that the administration is overstepping its authority by using threats of criminal prosecution and federal investigations to pressure health care providers. The coalition is asking the court to block these actions and protect access to care for patients who need it.
“Let’s get clear on what gender affirming care is, and what it isn’t,” said Attorney General Neronha. “Gender affirming care is medically necessary, and in some cases lifesaving treatment for kids who, with their parents, are just trying to find their way in this world, no different than anyone else. Additionally, gender affirming care is supported by every major widely-respected medical organization in the United States. The decision of whether or not a child should receive gender affirming care needs to be made between the child, their family, and their doctor – not the federal government. It isn’t a decision these kids and their families take lightly, it isn’t mutilation, and it isn’t dangerous. What’s dangerous is this Administration’s attacks on these children for political capital. And we will not simply stand by as they target young people and the providers who help them feel like themselves.”
“As a physician, I support the Attorney General’s decision to join this lawsuit to ensure that decisions about gender affirming care remain where they belong – with patients, their families, and their health care providers,” said Michael Wagner, MD, President and CEO of Care New England. “When delivered in an age-appropriate, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary manner, gender affirming care plays a critical role in supporting the mental and physical health of transgender and gender-diverse youth. This care is strongly endorsed by leading medical and psychological organizations because it significantly reduces rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, helping young people grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults.”
On his first day in office, President Trump signed an executive order declaring that the United States would only recognize two sexes and calling for an end to federal support for what it called “gender ideology.” A second order, signed shortly after, focused on restricting medically necessary health care for youth. It defined everyone under 19 as a child, even though states like Rhode Island consider 18-year-olds legal adults, and described recognized medical treatments as “chemical and surgical mutilation.” The order directed the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to pursue enforcement actions related to this care. Since then, DOJ has issued subpoenas to providers, demanded private patient data, and suggested that criminal charges may follow. The attorneys general argue that these efforts have no legal basis and are intended to discourage providers from offering lifesaving health care that is lawful under state law.
The attorneys general warn that the administration’s tactics are already having an impact. In some states, providers have begun to reduce or eliminate services, and patients are reporting canceled appointments and confusion about whether they can continue their care. Further, Rhode Island state law prohibits discrimination in the provision of health care services on the basis of gender identity and expression. The lawsuit seeks to prevent further harm and to ensure that transgender youth and their families can access care without being targeted by the federal government.
Medical experts, including every major national medical association, agree that medical care is not only necessary for many transgender young people, in some cases it is lifesaving. Denying this care has been shown to worsen mental health outcomes, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
“The Rhode Island Medical Society supports Attorney General Neronha in taking action to safeguard the provider-patient relationship,” said Kara Stavros, MD, President of Rhode Island Medical Society. “Physicians must be able to offer care that reflects medical standards and individual patient needs, without fear of interference. Protecting this relationship is fundamental to safe and ethical medical practice.”
The coalition argues that these actions violate the Constitution, exceed federal authority, and undermine state laws that require equal access to medical treatment. In Rhode Island, laws protect patients from discrimination based on gender identity, and health care providers are required to treat all patients fairly and without bias. The lawsuit asks the court to block the administration’s actions and stop the enforcement of these executive orders.
Joining Attorney General Neronha in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, as well as the Governor of Pennsylvania.
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