U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order restricting gender-affirming care for individuals under 19, stating that federal support for such treatments would be discontinued.

The order directs the Health and Human Services Secretary to take actions to halt what it describes as the “chemical and surgical mutilation of children.”

It specifies treatments such as puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and surgical procedures, and mandates that federally-run insurance programs exclude coverage for gender transition-related treatments for minors. 

The order also seeks to prevent medical institutions receiving federal grants from providing such care.

While over 26 U.S. states have already imposed similar restrictions, major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, have defended the necessity of these treatments.