HHS, CMS End Medicaid Funding for Youth Sex-Change Treatments, Drawing Backing From 42-Year Pediatrician
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Aug 15
HHS, CMS End Medicaid Funding for Youth Sex-Change Treatments, Drawing Backing From 42-Year Pediatrician
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 15
Summary
Tuesday’s HHS-CMS policy shift ends Medicaid funding for youth sex-change treatments, a restriction Dr. Quentin Van Meter said blocks medical and surgical interventions he considers inappropriate for children.
Van Meter argued the change does not deny care, saying children with gender dysphoria should receive mental health treatment instead of puberty blockers, hormones or surgery.
Three suicides in an NIH-funded study by its second year and 11 participants with suicidal thoughts were among the cases he cited as evidence that the medical basis for pediatric transition is failing.
WPATH, a major source of pediatric transgender guidelines, is also facing allegations in a Texas FTC case that its standards reflect ideology rather than evidence-based medicine.
Beyond the funding cutoff, Van Meter urged broader federal action, including audits of clinics, defunding medical schools that teach such treatments, and longer windows for detransitioners to sue providers.