The FBI called on people to report on health care professionals who may be helping transgender minors with gender-affirming care, and it appears some Americans listened. The Daily Wire reports that the FBI received dozens of tips in the days following its call to action on Monday, June 2.
“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 FBI wrote on X.
The FBI also urged people to “report tips of any hospitals, clinics or practitioners performing these surgical procedures on children,” with the post revealing a phone number to call or a tip line to contact.
How are people responding?
The FBI told the Daily Wire they had received at least 100 tips by the morning of Thursday, June 5. The move is part of the Trump administration’s mission to “protect children.”
“As a mother, I’m deeply grateful and proud to know the future of America’s kids is one rooted in safety, strength, and opportunity,” advisor to FBI Director Kash Patel, Erica Knight, told the Daily Wire.
Which states outlaw gender-affirming care
KFF, which tracks transgender policies, reported that it is currently illegal in 27 states for minors to receive gender-affirming care, with Arkansas becoming the first in 2021. Among these states, 17 face lawsuits over restrictive measures, and those laws have been temporarily halted.
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According to a study in JAMA, gender-affirming surgery is rare, with 2.1 per 100,000 minors aged 15 to 17 receiving it. For those aged 13 and 14, it dropped to 0.1 per 100,000.
Axios, citing a JAMA Pediatrics study, reports that gender-affirming treatment is rare. Less than 0.1% of adolescents in the United States received gender-affirming care drugs between 2018 and 2022. The news outlet also noted that adolescents who did receive puberty blockers or hormones as part of their gender-affirming medical care reported “high levels of satisfaction and low levels of regret,” with 97% acknowledging they had continued to use gender-affirming medical care, according to a different study by JAMA Pediatrics.
In response to Axios’ report and the studies cited, FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson stated that they were investigating illegal practices.
“Actually, what we said was we would like tips on any hospitals or clinics who break the law and mutilate children under the guise of ‘gender-affirming care,'” he said.
Williamson then recited the hotline and reiterated the FBI’s call to report health care professionals they believe are performing illegal surgeries.
What is gender-affirming care?
Gender-affirming care not only covers surgery but also any medical and mental health treatment for transgender or nonbinary individuals. However, every state that has restrictions on gender-affirming care has outlawed surgical procedures.
The FBI’s message comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January, recognizing male and female as the only sexes recognized across federal agencies. Trump then issued another order that blocks access to gender-affirming treatments for transgender kids and teens under the age of 19.
Under these orders, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) changed its policy so that it “rejects gender ideology and condemns the harm 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.”
HHS also deleted a webpage dedicated to gender-affirming care from its website, stating the reason behind the move was that it did not “reflect the biological reality and therefore the Administration and this Department rejects it.”
Have officials seen any backlash?
The FBI’s advisory on social media comes as many celebrate Pride Month across the United States. Advocates for transgender and nonbinary youth have condemned the FBI’s message.
Human Rights Campaign spokesperson Laurel Powell said in a statement to Axios, “Health care for trans youth is just that — it’s health care. Threatening to weaponize the FBI against American doctors who are following medical best practice would undermine parents who just want their children to thrive. There is no room for Donald Trump, the FBI or anyone else in the exam room.”
