The Biden Administration Is Reinstating Healthcare Protections For Transgender People

According to an announcement by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Biden administration is reversing former President Donald Trump's decision to exclude transgender people from protections against healthcare discrimination.

The law was narrowed during Trump's presidency as his administration defined a person's "sex" as the one assigned to them at birth.

The update was made in light of the Supreme Court's decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, which protects employees from discrimination in the workplace because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

"The Supreme Court has made clear that people have a right not to be discriminated against on the basis of sex and receive equal treatment under the law, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation. That’s why today HHS announced it will act on related reports of discrimination," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in the initial announcement. "Fear of discrimination can lead individuals to forgo care, which can have serious negative health consequences. It is the position of the Department of Health and Human Services that everyone — including LGBTQ people — should be able to access health care, free from discrimination or interference, period."

According to a report by the Williams Institute at the University of California - Los Angeles, about 1.4 million Americans publicly identify as transgender.

Earlier this year, several states passed (and in some cases, vetoed) discriminatory healthcare laws that can potentially cause harm to the transgender community. President Joe Biden's administration plans to restore trans healthcare protections under federal discrimination law.

Last week, President Biden gave his first joint address to Congress. He was vocal about his support for the LGBTQ+ community — more specifically, transgender Americans.

"To all transgender Americans watching at home, especially the young people. You’re so brave. I want you to know your president has your back," President Biden said.

Since the announcement was made, transgender rights advocates have been celebrating the Biden administration's decision to reinstate healthcare protections.

President of the Human Rights Campaign Alphonso David said the reversal "will have a lasting impact on our community, particularly for transgender and non-binary people, across the country."

Delaware state Sen. Sarah McBride — a.k.a the highest-ranking elected transgender official in U.S. history — took to Twitter to share her thoughts.

She said the announcement is "welcome news at such a critical time."

Earlier this year, President Biden reversed another Trump-era decision to ban transgender people from serving in the military.

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