VA halts hormone therapy for some transgender veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will no longer provide hormone therapy to some transgender veterans. This change applies only to those who were not already receiving this care through the VA or military. The VA's decision reverses a decade-old policy that mandated respectful treatment for transgender veterans. This included coverage for mental health care and other support services. The VA has never funded gender-affirming surgery. The new announcement also states that veterans receiving care must use facilities appropriate to their birth sex. VA Secretary Doug Collins defended the change. He stated that the VA should not focus on helping veterans change their sex. Collins claimed most veterans and Americans agree with this view, though he provided no evidence. He emphasized that all veterans are still welcome at the VA and will receive earned benefits, but those wanting to pursue gender transition must do so at their own expense. The VA stated that savings from these cuts will go to help severely injured veterans. In addition to hormone therapy, the VA will also stop providing gender-affirming prosthetics and support letters for surgeries outside the VA system. Kelley Robinson of the Human Rights Campaign criticized the VA's actions. She said these changes disrespect transgender veterans who have served their country. The new policy aligns with a recent executive order from President Donald Trump, which asserted there are only two unchangeable sexes. The VA noted that only a small fraction of its enrolled veterans, approximately 9,100, identify as transgender. This number is lower than previous estimates, which suggested around 134,300 transgender veterans. Meanwhile, Trump's policies have led to restrictions on transgender individuals in the military. Public opinion seems mixed. A recent survey found that 58% of Americans support allowing openly transgender people to serve in the military, but support has declined over the past few years, particularly among Republicans.