Connecticut Attorney General Sues to Block Unlawful Attacks on Medically Necessary Health Care for Transgender Youth

The Connecticut Attorney General's office has joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's efforts to restrict access to necessary healthcare for transgender, intersex, and nonbinary youth. The lawsuit targets recent federal actions aimed at deterring providers from offering medically appropriate care to individuals under age 19, even in states like Connecticut where such care is legal and protected. Attorney General Tong and other coalition members argue that the administration is overstepping its authority by using threats of criminal prosecution and federal investigations to pressure health care providers.

Key Takeaways:

• The lawsuit targets recent federal actions aimed at restricting access to medically necessary healthcare for transgender, intersex, and nonbinary youth under the age of 19.
• The coalition argues that the administration's actions violate the Constitution, exceed federal authority, and undermine state laws that require equal access to medical treatment.
• A total of 13 states, including Connecticut, New York, California, and Illinois, have joined the lawsuit, as well as the Governor of Pennsylvania.
• Medical experts agree that denying gender-affirming care can have severe mental health consequences, including increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
• Gender-affirming care is considered essential and lifesaving medical treatment, and states like Connecticut have laws in place to protect patients from discrimination based on gender identity.
• The lawsuit seeks to prevent further harm and ensure that transgender youth and their families can access care without being targeted by the federal government.

Statistics:

• 13 states have joined the multistate lawsuit, including Connecticut, New York, California, Massachusetts, and Illinois.
• The lawsuit targets federal actions that have already led to reduced or eliminated services in some states, with patients reporting canceled appointments and confusion about whether they can continue their care.
• Medical experts agree that denying gender-affirming care can lead to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, with 70% of transgender youth reporting suicidal ideation.

Sources:

• Attorney General Tong's press release, August 5 (no date specified)
• A copy of the lawsuit is available on the Connecticut Attorney General's website
• Twitter: @AGWilliamTong
• Facebook: CT Attorney General
• Elizabeth Benton, Media Contact, elizabeth.benton@ct.gov, 860-808-5318
• Original text here: https://portal.ct.gov/ag/press-releases/2025-press-releases/attorney-general-tong-sues-to-block-unlawful-attacks-on-medically-necessary-health-care