- United States
- Utah
- Letter
President Trump's executive order restricting access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth is a grave violation of their fundamental human rights. Major medical organizations support this evidence-based care that is essential for the well-being and survival of trans youth. Studies show that access to such care reduces risk of suicide attempts by 73%. Denying this lifesaving treatment will have devastating consequences. This discriminatory order targets a vulnerable group and disregards human rights principles of equality and non-discrimination. It undermines established medical standards, threatens healthcare providers, and exposes youth to harm. Trans people already face high rates of violence, harassment, and lack of access to services. This policy will only exacerbate their marginalization. As a human rights organization, we urge you to take immediate action to oppose this order and protect the rights of transgender youth to access appropriate medical care based on scientific consensus, free from government overreach and ideological bias. Their health, safety, and lives are at stake. We must safeguard the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of gender identity. Human Rights Watch is calling for an executive order that protects access to gender-affirming care and upholds the human rights of transgender people, especially youth, in line with international human rights standards and medical ethics. This alarming rollback of rights cannot stand. We urge you to act now to prevent irreparable harm and uphold human rights.