Court Vacates Kennedy Declaration, Enjoins HHS from Enforcing Restrictions on Transgender Care for Minors
This Bulletin is brought to you by AHLA’s Health Care Liability and Litigation Practice Group.
- April 29, 2026
- Amelia R. Medina , King & Spalding LLP
- Ahsin Azim , King & Spalding LLP
On April 18, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon struck down and enjoined enforcement of a December 2025 declaration by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that deemed transgender medical treatments for minors unsafe and ineffective. The 49-page Opinion and Order, issued by Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai, concluded that the declaration violated federal rulemaking requirements, exceeded HHS’ statutory authority, and was contrary to law. The ruling marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battles over the federal government’s authority to regulate medical standards of care—an area infused with complex questions about the scope of federal authority and what powers are reserved to the states.
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