Press Release: 5/21/2026

AG Campbell Affirms Legal Protections Of Gender-Affirming Care For Youth In Massachusetts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

5/20/2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Sydney Weiser, Deputy Communications Director

 Phone

Call Sydney Weiser, Deputy Communications Director at (617) 727-2543

 Online

Email Sydney Weiser, Deputy Communications Director at sydney.weiser@mass.gov

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has issued a legal advisory to healthcare facilities and medical providers across the Commonwealth reaffirming the current state of the law regarding the provision of gender-affirming care for patients under the age of 19. 

The guidance is intended to provide clarity to providers amid federal actions and proposals that have created uncertainty about the provision of gender-affirming healthcare for young people. Federal law does not prohibit gender-affirming care for minors, and Massachusetts law continues to protect access to this care.  

“Decisions about gender-affirming healthcare belong to patients, families, and medical providers – not political intimidation or federal overreach. There is no federal law prohibiting medical providers from administering medically necessary gender-affirming healthcare to patients under 19, and Massachusetts law has remained consistent,” said AG Campbell. “My office remains committed to ensuring providers and the patients and families they serve have clear guidance about their obligations under state and federal law.” 

On December 18, 2025, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr issued a declaration asserting that gender-affirming healthcare fails to meet professionally recognized standards of care. The “Kennedy Declaration” also suggested that providers offering such care could face consequences related to participation in federal healthcare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. 

AG Campbell and a coalition of states challenged the Kennedy Declaration in federal court. On April 18, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon ruled in favor of the coalition, holding that the declaration is unlawful and has no current legal effect. The court further held that HHS and its Office of Inspector General lack authority to unilaterally impose standards of care that override professionally recognized medical standards in the coalition states, including Massachusetts. 

There is no federal requirement that providers discontinue or halt the provision of gender-affirming healthcare for youth.  

The advisory also notes that other recent federal proposals related to gender-affirming care remain proposals only and have not been finalized or taken effect. 

Under Massachusetts law, discrimination in places of public accommodation on the basis of gender identity is prohibited, including healthcare facilities. The AGO reminds providers that public accommodations law applies broadly to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems operating throughout the state.   

AG Campbell and her office remain committed to protecting patients, supporting healthcare providers, and ensuring that medical decisions are made by patients, families and clinicians. 

Providers with questions about the obligations under state or federal law are encouraged to contact the Attorney General’s Office’s Reproductive Justice Unit at reprojustice@mass.gov for further guidance.