Gender-Affirming Care is Still Legal. We have your backs, and together we’ll prevail.

We know that recent headlines about President Trump’s proposed efforts to restrict gender-affirming care for young people are frightening and upsetting. We want to be clear and reassuring: Gender-affirming care remains legal in Vermont. Care is continuing.

Most importantly, here is our message to trans youth:

No rule, proposal, or political attack can change who you are.

You are brilliant.

You are brave.

You are amazing.

We see you.

We have your back!

You deserve care, safety, dignity, and joy. There are many people, here in Vermont and across the country, working every day to protect your rights and face these challenges with you.

The proposed new rules being discussed involve withholding Medicaid funding from providers who continue to offer gender-affirming care. The administration’s proposals seek to bar transgender youth under 18 from receiving evidence-based, medically necessary care, which is care that every major medical association in the United States, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, supports.

Importantly, this proposal for new rules is not a law and it is not currently in effect.

Here’s what’s actually happening:

• The Department of Health & Human Services announced proposed rule changes to Medicare and Medicaid, which seek to eliminate access to medically necessary care for transgender youth.
• These rules will enter a public comment period, likely lasting 60 days.
• During that time, the rules do not change the law and cannot be enforced.
• After the comment period, agencies may issue a final rule with an effective date.
• Litigation is expected and will likely affect whether, when, or how any rule could take effect.

As the National ACLU has stated, these proposals will be challenged in court. Strong opposition during the public comment period matters and helps protect access to care nationwide. We will keep you informed about these opportunities.

We are in close communication and coordination with our partners at University of Vermont Medical Center and the ACLU of Vermont, and we are monitoring developments carefully. In a recent statement by the ACLU of Vermont, Staff Attorney Monica Allard is quoted about Vermont-specific implications:

“Importantly, these are still just proposals—not official policy—and they are now subject to a public comment period. Vermonters can and should raise their voices against this administration's latest bullying tactic. We’re working with Vermont lawmakers and community stakeholders to develop creative and compassionate solutions that ensure this life-saving care remains available and affordable to all who need it. Our state has taken great strides to ensure that all Vermonters have the freedom to determine their own life course and can access the health care services they need. Trans youth are no exception.”

Please know we are here and will continue to share accurate, timely information with you, our community, as this unfolds.

A Message for Families and Caregivers

We know that young people are likely hearing about this either on social media, in the news, or at school. We encourage you to talk with the young people in your life and let them know:

• Gender-affirming care is still legal in Vermont.
• Their doctors and providers are still here for them.
• Adults and organizations are actively working to protect their care and their rights.

Transgender and gender-diverse young people and their families are not alone. We will continue to monitor developments closely and will follow up soon with:

• Guidance on how to submit public comments opposing these harmful proposals, and
• Further analysis of how any finalized rules could impact Vermont.

Thank you for being part of this community and for standing together in care and solidarity.