The Advocate: New Trump Health Care Rule Will Harm 1.5 Million Trans People

GLAAD: “Should President Trump and his administration follow through with this new rule, blood will be on their hands.”

NEW YORK – GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ media advocacy organization, today formally submitted a comment to the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) calling on the Trump Administration to drop its proposed rule that could eliminate health care access for transgender Americans across the country. Previously, the administration announced they would no longer consider gender identity as a protection under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, which guaranteed any American the right to health insurance without any form of discrimination. 

Currently, federal law requires HHS to hold a 60-day public comment period directed toward the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) prior to the policy’s implementation. GLAAD urges all LGBTQ Americans and allies to take a stand and urge the Trump Administration to reverse course on their attack on transgender Americans.

GLAAD’s formal comment reads:

“Time and again, the American people have confirmed they believe health care is not just a human right, but also an American one as well. The most recent proof point came during the 2018 midterm elections as it orchestrated how vital these values are – by electing political leaders whose sole vision is improving access to health care, not restrict it. However, this new proposed rule orchestrates the Trump Administration’s priority to prevent an estimated 1.5 million transgender people from vital prescriptions, screenings, and treatments – all of which would save lives. Should President Trump and his administration follow through with this new rule, blood will be on their hands.”

LGBTQ acceptance has been threatened by President Trump and his administration since the start of 2017. Not only has President Trump banned transgender Americans from serving in the nation’s armed forces, but his administration has also opposed the Equality Act, a bill which would provide across-the-board protections for LGBTQ Americans at home, at work, and in their communities. The entire list of the Trump Administration’s 114 anti-LGBTQ actions can be found by going to GLAAD’s Trump Accountability Project.

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