Nurses Condemn Political Attacks on Gender-Affirming Health Care

Nurses Denounce Policy Changes on Gender-Affirming Care

National Nurses United (NNU), the most prominent union of registered nurses in the U.S., has expressed strong disapproval of a recent policy change by President Donald Trump's administration. This policy modification will eliminate coverage for gender-affirming care under federal workers' health benefits.

The NNU, alongside leading medical organizations, staunchly supports gender-affirming care as essential, evidence-based healthcare. The union has consistently criticized political maneuvers that impact vulnerable groups, including transgender individuals. NNU has been vocal in its opposition, as seen in their rejection of such policies and their criticism of medical institutions that comply with these pressures, such as in their denouncement of Kaiser Permanente.

The new directive affects only new federal employee patients, sparing those already receiving treatment, which NNU argues indicates the administration's lack of genuine concern over the treatment's safety or efficacy. Instead, it seems to be part of a broader initiative to restrict access to care and civic participation for transgender people. More details on this policy change can be found here.

There have been longstanding warnings from advocates about the administration's efforts to limit gender-affirming care, initially targeting youth but now impacting patients of all ages. Nurses perceive this policy change as an escalation in the campaign against transgender individuals.

Nurses, as patient advocates, continue to challenge policies they view as harmful. Whether it involves substantial reductions in federal healthcare funding or measures perceived to target vulnerable communities, nurses are committed to defending their patients. Their advocacy extends to opposing executive orders, as indicated here, and decisions by the Supreme Court and Veterans Administration that limit care, described in more detail here and here.

Recently, nurses in San Francisco conducted a vigil in protest of Kaiser Permanente's decision to reduce some gender-affirming services for youth, a move seen as yielding to political pressure.

Representing over 225,000 nurses nationwide, NNU is dedicated to advocating for patient welfare and improving conditions for nurses and communities across the country.

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