Gender-Affirming Care Bans: What It Means for Trans Adults & Youth

Being transgender or non-binary amidst the current gender-affirming care bans can be scary. It is important to stay informed of how the bans impact you and your loved ones and to understand your rights.

What is gender-affirming care?

The World Health Organization defines gender-affirming care as “any single or combination of a number of social, psychological, behavioural or medical (including hormonal treatment or surgery) interventions designed to support and affirm an individual’s gender identity.”

Gender-affirming care is life-saving for people who experience gender dysphoria, a condition that arises when one’s gender identity does not line up with their sex.

While gender-affirming care benefits cisgender people as well, federal and state governments have implemented gender-affirming care bans to prevent the transgender and non-binary communities from receiving life-saving care and living authentically as themselves.

As more anti-trans legislation is introduced and passed, trans youth are becoming increasingly vulnerable. Many bills and executive orders are aimed at preventing transgender and non-binary youth from transitioning, socially and medically. Additionally, the administration has defined a minor patient looking to receive gender-affirming care as a person under 19 years old, failing to recognize 18-year-olds as the legally defined adults they are. This makes it more difficult for young trans people to receive the care they need.

A timeline of federal gender-affirming care bans:

• January 20, 2025
  Executive Order #14168, titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” was signed into effect by Trump.
  
  • This executive order deems the acknowledgment of only two sexes, male and female, as policy of the United States Federal Government.
  • The order supports the removal of the “X” gender marker option on federal documents, such as passports, visas, and Global Entry cards.
    
• January 28, 2025
  Executive Order #14187, titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation,” prohibits gender-affirming care for individuals under the age of 19.
  
  • The order prohibits the federal government from supporting these individuals’ transitions.
  • It also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to eliminate gender-affirming care from federal insurance policies including Medicaid, Medicare, and Affordable Care Act coverage.
    
• January 29, 2025
  Executive Order #14190, titled “Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling,” prevents school administrators from directly or indirectly assisting students who are socially transitioning.
  
  • The executive order states:
    “Each agency’s process to prevent or rescind Federal funds, to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law, from being used by an ESA, SEA, LEA, elementary school, or secondary school to directly or indirectly support or subsidize the social transition of a minor student, including through school staff or teachers or through deliberately concealing the minor’s social transition from the minor’s parents.”
    This prevents school administrations from using the chosen name and pronouns of transgender and non-binary students and blocks teachers from providing any education on gender ideology or sexuality.

Gender-affirming care bans in Ohio:

In addition to the federal efforts to eliminate gender-affirming care, Ohio’s government has also enacted legislation impacting the transgender and non-binary community in the state.

• Ohio House Bill 68, titled the “Saving Adolescence from Experimentation (SAFE) Act,” was proposed in February 2023 to prohibit transgender and non-binary youth from receiving gender-affirming care.
  
  • After passing through the House and Senate, and despite several veto attempts, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled the bill constitutional, turning it into Ohio law in April 2024.
  • The bill also prevents minor Ohio residents from receiving gender-affirming care in other states.
    
• In September 2025, due to Ohio’s anti-trans legislation, Nationwide Children’s Hospital ended gender-affirming care for all patients, including those who began care prior to the bill’s passage.
  
  • Although the bill included a provision permitting continued care for existing patients, the hospital chose to “safely” end care, including medication prescriptions.
    This decision affects both trans youth and adults who received care at the hospital.

While this is one of the few anti-trans bills that has passed in Ohio, many other bills targeting transgender individuals have been introduced but have not passed through the House or Senate.

These executive orders, state bills, and the hostile political climate around transgender and non-binary rights harm the community by attempting to push people from living as their authentic selves.

Because of the rapid pace of these legal changes, it’s crucial to protect yourself and your family now.

Legally, how can I protect myself and my family?

We know that the state of transgender-based legislation in the current administration is scary and uncertain. It is more important than ever for trans and non-binary individuals to protect themselves and their families.

Here are some ways to get your ducks in a row:

1) Change your name/gender marker on legal documents

In most states, trans individuals can change their legal names and gender markers on important documents like:

• Driver’s licenses / state IDs
• Passports
• Birth certificates
  

It’s important to make these changes as soon as possible, since future legal options may become more limited. The process can be complex, but ALH Law Group can help.

• For minors, a parent or guardian must file the paperwork on their behalf.
  
• This is a crucial step in being seen as your authentic self in the eyes of the government.

2) Prepare estate planning documents

Conversations are important, but they aren’t legally binding. To ensure your identity and wishes are honored, estate planning is essential.

Every trans or non-binary person should have:

• Your Will
• Power Of Attorney
•  And Healthcare Directives

Additional documents we recommend:

• Addendums to your healthcare power of attorney that clearly outline your gender identity, so providers respect your identity and preferences
• A nomination of guardianship, so a trusted person is appointed if you are unable to care for yourself

These documents help protect your chosen family, ensure your gender identity is respected, and offer guidance for end-of-life or emergency scenarios.

3) Keep your loved ones in the loop

An estate plan only works if someone knows it exists. Make sure to:

• Tell trusted people where your documents are stored
• Explain your wishes so they can advocate for you
• Share any funeral plans or other preferences, so your identity is honored after death

Protecting Yourself is a Radical Act of Self-Love

Being trans or non-binary—or loving someone who is—in the current administration can be terrifying. But by taking legal action now, you reclaim your power.

Protect your identity. Protect your future. Protect your family.

Whether you follow the steps above on your own or contact ALH Law Group for help, know that we are here for you. We are deeply committed to serving and protecting the trans and non-binary communities. Get a consultation scheduled now.