WASHINGTON — A coalition of Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia has sued the federal health department, calling a declaration that rejected gender-affirming care signed by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. an overreach of his authority.
The lawsuit, filed by 19 states and D.C., says the declaration — which claims that gender-affirming care including hormones and surgeries do not meet medical standards of care — sidesteps public notice and comment periods required of regulations. It also argues that Kennedy exceeded powers Congress had granted the Department of Health and Human Services by attempting to define standards of care.
