The US Department of Justice has issued over 20 subpoenas to clinics and doctors providing gender-affirming care to minors, aiming to investigate and potentially restrict such treatments amid concerns about a 'chilling effect' on necessary healthcare.

Some institutions have already ceased offering gender-affirming care to minors in response to these investigations, reflecting a broader political and legal climate focused on restricting transgender healthcare.

Advocates emphasize that denying access to gender-affirming treatments increases suicide risks among transgender youth and highlight that hormone therapies are evidence-based and beneficial.

Experts warn that these actions resemble authoritarian tactics and stress the importance of state and institutional support to safeguard transgender individuals' rights and access to care.

The US Supreme Court recently upheld Tennessee’s law banning gender-affirming care for minors in a 6-3 decision, further tightening legal restrictions on transgender health services.

During his second term, President Donald Trump issued an executive order prohibiting federal funding for gender-affirming procedures for children and emphasized law enforcement to restrict such treatments on minors.

In April, Attorney General Pam Bondi directed federal prosecutors to investigate and potentially prosecute cases involving gender-affirming care for minors, including claims of misbranding related to puberty blockers and hormones.

Bondi also stated that medical professionals involved in these procedures will be held accountable, signaling a hardline stance against gender-affirming treatments for minors.

This crackdown is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration, including FBI inquiries and hospital protocol reviews, to scrutinize and restrict gender-affirming care, with some actions targeting alleged misbranding and false claims.

Currently, 27 states have laws restricting access to gender-affirming care for minors, illustrating widespread legislative restrictions across the country.

While no charges have been filed yet, legal experts suggest the investigations may be aimed more at intimidating healthcare providers than pursuing criminal charges.

The Department of Justice is also scrutinizing manufacturers and distributors of puberty blockers and hormones for alleged misbranding, adding another layer to the ongoing crackdown.