February 13, 2026
To: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Radical Women, a national feminist organization, condemns the proposed HHS rules restricting gender-affirming care for young people as a reactionary assault on bodily autonomy, healthcare access, and the right of individuals to define and live their own identities. Framing medically supervised care as “malpractice” is not science, it is ideology; and it places political control over the bodies of youth, families, and healthcare providers.
As socialist feminists, we reject all systems that police and control bodies in the name of morality, tradition, or cost-cutting. Feminism stands for self-determination and freedom from state coercion. Just as we oppose restrictions on reproductive healthcare, we oppose government efforts to deny gender-affirming care. These bans fall hardest on working-class and marginalized youth who rely on government-funded health coverage and community hospitals, deepening inequality and using trans young people as political scapegoats.
Healthcare decisions must rest with patients, families, and qualified providers –not with politicians advancing culture-war agendas. We stand in solidarity with transgender and gender-diverse youth and call for fully funded, evidence-based, and affirming healthcare for all. Bodily autonomy is not negotiable..