A federal judge in Maryland has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s executive order that restricted gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth.
The ruling marks a major victory for LGBTQ+ rights advocates.
U.S. District Judge Brendan Abell Hurson issued a nationwide restraining order preventing federal agencies from withholding or conditioning funding based on whether a healthcare provider offers gender-affirming care to patients under 19.
The order was challenged by two transgender adults, five minors, their parents, PFLAG Inc., and the American Association of Physicians for Human Rights Inc.
The executive order, signed January 28, 2025, directed agencies to revoke federal funding from any entity that provided gender-affirming care, even in states where it remained legal.
The directive also sought to eliminate Medicaid coverage for low-income transgender individuals of all ages nationwide.
Legal Challenge and Government’s Argument
The Trump administration defended the policy, arguing that no agency had yet enforced the funding restrictions, making the legal challenge premature.
The government also insisted that any injunction should apply only to the named plaintiffs rather than a nationwide block.
The case, PFLAG v. Trump, is being litigated by Lambda Legal, the ACLU, and major law firms including Jenner & Block LLP and Hogan Lovells US LLP.
Impact of the Ruling
The decision halts enforcement of the executive order, ensuring that healthcare providers can continue offering gender-affirming treatments without federal funding penalties.
With over two dozen states already restricting such care, this ruling preserves access in jurisdictions where it remains legal.
The legal battle continues, with further court proceedings expected to determine whether the ban will be permanently struck down.
