The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it will cease providing gender-affirming medical treatment to transgender former service members, citing an executive order signed by President Donald Trump.
The big picture: The VA will revoke a 2018 directive that protected access to gender-affirming treatments like hormone therapy and pre- and post-operative care for gender-affirming surgery.
- The policy change aligns with an executive order proclaiming that the US government recognizes only two sexes, male and female, and aims to prevent federal spending on what the White House terms “gender ideology.”
Zoom in; Effective immediately, the VA will discontinue offering cross-sex hormone therapy to Veterans exhibiting symptoms consistent with gender dysphoria, with exceptions for those already in treatment.
- Services like voice training, chest binders, surgical compression vests, wigs, and dilator sets will no longer be provided to transgender veterans.
- Transgender former service members will still receive comprehensive VA health care, including preventive and mental health services.
- Funds previously allocated for gender-affirming care will be redirected to assist severely injured VA beneficiaries, such as paralyzed veterans and amputees.
