Planned Parenthood Arizona has paused its gender-affirming care services following a directive from federal Medicaid officials, an action that stems from a sweeping executive order by President Donald Trump targeting transgender health care access for minors and some adults under 19. These effects are also being felt by transgender adults, over the age of 21, who are being seen by Planned Parenthood Arizona that accepts funding from Medicaid.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on April 11 issued a letter to state Medicaid directors urging them to consider halting payments for medical interventions related to gender dysphoria in youth. The letter, citing studies and international policy shifts, questions the long-term benefits and safety of treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgeries for minors.
“Initiated with an underdeveloped body of evidence, these interventions lack reliable evidence of long-term benefits for minors, and for some children, these interventions are now known to cause long-term and irreparable harm,” wrote Drew Snyder, CMS Deputy Administrator and Director.
