A federal judge in Oregon has ruled that the government overreached by declaring gender-affirming treatments for minors unsafe and threatening to penalize providers. Judge Mustafa Kasubhai found that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. failed to follow mandatory administrative procedures, including public notice and comment periods, before issuing the declaration. The ruling provides preliminary relief to medical professionals, ensuring they can continue offering care without fear of being excluded from federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid. During the hearing, the judge emphasized the necessity of adhering to the rule of law, criticizing the government’s attempt to circumvent established legal requirements. This decision marks the second major legal setback for the Health Department this week, following a separate court order blocking the administration’s vaccine policy changes.
Date: March 20, 2026. Source: apnews.com