Thursday, May 22, 2025
Seattle, WA
Gender Justice League strongly condemns the U.S. House Republicans’ passage of a budget proposal that includes a nationwide ban on all gender-affirming care—including hormone therapy, surgical care, and puberty blockers—for every American citizen covered by Medicaid, an Affordable Care Act Marketplace plan, and CHIP (the Children’s Health Insurance Program). This unprecedented attack targets not just youth, but includes adults as well, putting the health and lives of millions of Trans people across the United States at risk.
If passed by the Senate and signed into law through the budget reconciliation bill, this policy would take effect as soon as July 1, 2025. The consequences would be devastating: in every state except Washington, Trans people on public health insurance would be cut off from life-saving medical care. While Washington state law mandates continued coverage of gender-affirming care (RCW 74.09.675), the burden of funding would fall entirely on the state of Washington, no longer shared with the federal government.
This attack from Republicans is a direct threat to the existence and survival of all Trans people in the United States of America.
“This ban is both unconscionable and unconstitutional. It is cruel, petty, and goes against 100 years of settled medical science. Gender-affirming medical care is low-cost, safe, effective, and medically necessary,” said Danni Askini, Executive Director of Gender Justice League. “Our experience in Washington State is proof that this care is low-cost and keeps our communities healthy.”
Take Action
We urge everyone to contact their U.S. Senators immediately and demand they reject this cruel and dangerous policy. Our futures depend on it.
You can also reach WA State Senators by phone:
Sen. Patty Murray: (202) 224-2621
Sen. Maria Cantwell: (202) 224-3441
We also encourage all Trans people—on public or private insurance—to stock up on your hormones and supplies now. A recently passed Washington State law allows up to 12 months of hormones: HB 1971, championed by Rep. Nicole Macri, was signed into law and goes into effect on July 27, 2025. This legislation allows patients to obtain a 12-month supply of prescription hormone therapy at one time, provided the medication is not a controlled substance or requires refrigeration. The mandate for health insurance plans to cover this 12-month supply applies only to plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026.