The order prohibits the federal government from funding or sponsoring programs that assist children in transitioning their sex, and it calls for a review of existing literature on best practices for promoting the health of minors with gender dysphoria. The order also defines “chemical and surgical mutilation” as puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and surgeries intended to alter an individual’s physical appearance to align with an identity that differs from their biological sex.
The order directs various government agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Defense, and insurance carriers, to take specific actions to end chemical and surgical mutilation. For example, the Secretary of HHS is required to rescind or amend policies that rely on guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management is required to negotiate with insurance carriers to exclude coverage for pediatric transgender surgeries or hormone treatments in federal employee health benefits plans. The order also calls for increased enforcement of laws against female genital mutilation, including investigations into child abuse cases related to chemical and surgical mutilation.