Federal Judge Rules Trump Admin Overstepped on Gender Surgery Ban for Minors

An Oregon federal judge determined the Trump administration violated proper procedures when declaring gender transition surgeries for children unsafe. The ruling comes as part of a lawsuit filed by 19 states and D.C. challenging HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s December declaration.

An Oregon federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration exceeded its authority when it declared gender transition surgeries for minors to be unsafe and ineffective. Judge Mustafa Kasubhai (kah-shoob-HIGH) determined that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. bypassed required administrative protocols when he made the December announcement. The declaration also cautioned medical providers they risked losing access to federal healthcare programs including Medicare and Medicaid if they performed such procedures. Nineteen states along with the District of Columbia filed suit against HHS, arguing that Secretary Kennedy ignored established procedural requirements.

Meanwhile, a growing number of Democratic candidates are making faith a central part of their campaigns. Among them is James Talarico, a Texas seminary student seeking a Senate seat, and multiple ordained ministers pursuing congressional positions in Iowa. Kentucky’s Democratic Governor Andy Beshear has also emphasized his religious beliefs in a recent book release, fueling speculation about a potential 2028 presidential bid. Political analysts note that Democrats typically shy away from religious messaging since polls indicate atheists, agnostics, and non-religious voters form some of their most dedicated supporters. Conversely, the overwhelming majority of Evangelical voters support Republican candidates and represent a crucial voting bloc for President Trump.

In related developments, the Trump administration has initiated investigations targeting 13 states that mandate abortion coverage in state-regulated insurance plans. These inquiries represent the latest chapter in an ongoing partisan battle over interpreting federal spending law provisions. The disputed language prohibits states from discriminating against healthcare entities that refuse to provide, cover, or refer patients for abortion services. Under former President Joe Biden’s administration, the Department of Health and Human Services maintained this provision didn’t apply to employers or other healthcare sponsors. The current Trump administration interprets it differently.

In Georgia, law enforcement has filed murder charges against a 31-year-old woman accused of taking medication to induce what they term an illegal abortion. Should state prosecutors proceed with the case, it would mark one of the first times a woman faces charges for ending her pregnancy in Georgia since the state enacted legislation prohibiting most abortions. The arrest warrant indicates police concluded the woman was pregnant beyond six weeks “based on the medical staff’s knowledge that the baby had a beating heart and was struggling to breathe.” Hospital records show the infant lived for approximately one hour after delivery.