TL/DR –
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced plans to phase out all medical treatments for gender dysphoria, including hormone therapy and surgical options, for transgender veterans. The decision has been criticized by advocates, who predict serious mental and physical health consequences for patients who rely on these services. VA Secretary Doug Collins stated that while all veterans would continue to be welcome at the VA and receive the benefits they’ve earned, those wishing to change their sex would have to do so at their own expense.
Veterans Affairs Ends Medical Treatments for Transgender Veterans
Veterans Affairs (VA) officials recently declared they will cease all medical treatments for gender dysphoria, including hormone therapy and surgical options, for transgender veterans. VA Secretary Doug Collins stated that the VA should focus on other areas rather than aiding veterans to transition.
Critics, such as Minority Veterans of America executive director Lindsay Church, predict catastrophic mental and physical health consequences for patients dependent on these services. Church argues this change will force veterans to delay care and possibly opt out of VA services altogether.
The policy’s withdrawal was announced via an internal memo to VA staff, stating the move was in line with a presidential executive order requiring agencies to use language recognizing women as female and men as male. The memo also noted that many aspects of transgender care, including surgeries, were not authorized under existing VA regulations.
Despite this change, Acting Under Secretary for Health Steven Lieberman assured the VA’s commitment to provide care to all veterans. The new changes do not affect medical care for eligible veterans who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer, according to VA leaders.
The Modern Military Association of America’s executive director, Rachel Branaman, condemned the policy rollback, stating it jeopardizes the well-being and essential care access for vulnerable LGBTQ+ veterans.
Democratic lawmakers have expressed opposition to the changes, with House Veterans’ Affairs Committee ranking member Mark Takano accusing the department of politicizing veterans’ care. VA leaders plan to review all transgender veteran care and revise the medical benefits package as necessary.
Any saved funds from eliminating transgender health care services will be redirected to help severely injured VA beneficiaries such as paralyzed veterans and amputees, Collins said. The National Center for Transgender Equality estimates over 134,000 transgender veterans in America today, with VA officials believing fewer than 9,000 are enrolled in their medical care services.
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