Tip-off or crackdown? FBI seeks public help targeting gender-affirming care providers for minors

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is requesting public assistance in identifying healthcare providers who offer gender-affirming care to transgender youth, aligning with the current administration's child protection initiatives.On Monday, the FBI's official X account stated: "As the Attorney General has made clear, we will protect our children and hold accountable those who mutilate them under the guise of gender-affirming care." The bureau encouraged reporting of medical facilities and practitioners providing such procedures to minors through their reporting channels.The KFF policy tracker indicates that since Arkansas' initial ban in 2021, 27 states have prohibited youth gender-affirming care.

Currently, 17 states face legal challenges regarding these restrictions, resulting in temporary suspensions.Gender-affirming care encompasses medical, mental health and nonmedical services for transgender and nonbinary individuals. All state-level restrictions specifically address surgical procedures.In January, upon resuming office, President Trump issued an executive order acknowledging only two biological sexes and instructing federal agencies to cease promoting gender transition concepts.

A subsequent order restricted gender-affirming care access for individuals under 19.Following these directives, HHS adopted a statement that "rejects gender ideology and condemns the harms it causes to children, by promoting their chemical and surgical mutilation, and to women, by depriving them of their dignity, safety, well-being, and opportunities." The department removed its gender-affirming care webpage, citing its inconsistency with biological principles.This FBI initiative coincides with Pride Month celebrations and Washington, D.C.'s hosting of the 2025 World Pride events.