NY AG Wins Lawsuit on Transgender Health Care

NY Attorney General Press Releases

Filed March 19th, 2026

Detected March 20th, 2026

Summary

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a legal victory where a federal judge ruled that the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary cannot threaten providers with a declaration to limit healthcare access for transgender young people. The ruling found the declaration unlawful and unenforceable, protecting access to life-saving treatments.

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What changed

New York Attorney General Letitia James has secured a favorable ruling in a lawsuit challenging a federal declaration that threatened to limit healthcare access for transgender young people. A federal judge ruled from the bench that the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary's declaration, which claimed certain transgender health care is "unsafe and ineffective" and threatened to exclude providers from Medicare and Medicaid, is unlawful and unenforceable. This decision, stemming from a coalition lawsuit led by AG James, provides clarity and protection for patients, families, and providers.

This ruling has significant implications for healthcare providers and transgender individuals, ensuring the continued legality of health care services for transgender youth and preventing federal intimidation or punishment of providers. While a written decision is pending, the verbal ruling indicates that access to gender-affirming care remains protected. Regulated entities, particularly healthcare providers in New York and potentially nationwide, should be aware that the federal government cannot unilaterally restrict these services through such declarations. The AG's office has committed to continued advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.

What to do next

Review internal policies regarding gender-affirming care to ensure alignment with current legal protections.
Stay informed about the forthcoming written court decision and any subsequent federal agency actions.

Source document (simplified)

Attorney General James Wins Lawsuit Challenging Federal Attack on Transgender Health Care

March 19, 2026

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after a federal judge ruled from the bench that the U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary cannot threaten providers with an illegal “declaration” to baselessly limit access to health care for transgender young people:

“So much of the conversation around transgender health care has lost sight of the real people harmed by the federal government’s attacks. Young people are losing access to life-saving treatment, families are being left in the dark, and medical providers are being threatened just for doing their jobs and following standards of care.

“Today’s win breaks through the noise and gives some needed clarity to patients, families, and providers. Health care services for transgender young people remain legal, and the federal government cannot intimidate or punish the providers who offer them.

“It is my duty and my privilege to stand with trans New Yorkers and their families. I will always fight for the LGBTQ+ community.”

In December, Attorney General James led a coalition of attorneys general and governors in a lawsuit challenging Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s baseless “declaration” against transgender health care, which claims that certain forms of transgender health care are “unsafe and ineffective” and threatens to punish any doctors, hospitals, and clinics that continue to provide it by excluding them from the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon verbally granted the coalition’s motion for summary judgment, ruling the declaration is unlawful and therefore unenforceable. A written decision will follow the verbal ruling.