RFK Jr. as HHS secretary spells trouble for trans healthcare
Recent reports have brought to light President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
If successful, this nomination could mean major setbacks for transgender healthcare across the country. With a record that includes opposing gender-affirming healthcare for minors and expressing unfounded views about the causes of transgender identity, Kennedy’s potential leadership at HHS would be a worrying development for transgender people.
In recent statements, Kennedy has voiced strong opposition to gender-affirming care for minors, which includes puberty blockers and hormone therapy.
He has argued that minors are not capable of making decisions about treatments that have long-term consequences. Yet, the widely accepted standard for decision-making regarding gender-affirming care for minors is that it should involve close supervision and guidance from parents or guardians, medical providers, and mental health counselors.
