RFK Jr. Says Gender-Affirming Care Is ‘Catastrophic’ for Trans Children

The comments come after President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing HHS to “take all appropriate actions to end the chemical and surgical mutilation of children.”

Robert F. Kennedy Jr

Aaron Schwartz/Sipa USA via AP

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told senators at his second confirmation hearing to lead the Department of Health and Human Services that gender-affirming care has “catastrophic” effects on minors.

Sen. Josh Hawley asked Kennedy during Thursday’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing if he would support gender-affirming care. Kennedy then cited a U.K. study that came out last year, adding that it found that this type of care has “catastrophic impacts on children” and that, if confirmed, he would rescind all Biden-era policies that promote gender-affirming care.

“Our people who believe [gender-affirming care] is important, I respect them, we should hear them out. We should debate. We should have a continual conversation,” Kennedy said. “There are also people who believe that it is an atrocity, and they need to be listened to too.”