Judge William Young questioned the legality of a Trump rule barring Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program-funded providers from using trans patients’ correct pronouns or offering gender-affirming care, and appeared open to blocking it at a Wednesday hearing.
Young said the policy could interfere with doctor-patient relationships, including on grounds of empathy, and suggested it may unlawfully burden medical providers’ free-speech rights.
Healthcare providers and medical associations for HIV care brought the lawsuit. Lambda Legal, representing the plaintiffs, said respect for transgender patients living with HIV helps make care accessible and effective; the American Academy of HIV Medicine said the rule forces providers to choose between federal funding requirements and their duty to patients.
