Advocates for Trans Equality Condemns House Vote to Ban Trans Healthcare in NDAA

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes provisions severely restricting access to trans-related healthcare for the families of servicemembers. In response, Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) Director of Federal Policy, Olivia Hunt, issued the following statement: 

“The purpose of the NDAA is to ensure our military is equipped and prepared to protect our nation. This legislation is meant to strengthen our forces, making them agile and ready for any challenge. It’s baffling that Speaker Mike Johnson and extremist anti-trans lawmakers are instead using this bill to target healthcare access for servicemembers’ families. 

“Denying medically necessary care to trans people doesn’t just harm the families who are directly affected – when a servicemember is forced to choose between continuing their military service or protecting the wellbeing of their child, it also undermines military readiness and endangers national security. Military families have enough to worry about—they should never have to fear that they can’t get necessary healthcare for their children. Politicians who prioritize discriminatory agendas over the wellbeing of those who serve do a disservice to the very patriots they claim to honor.  

“Healthcare decisions made between military families and their doctors should be respected, not politicized. Our representatives have a duty to ensure that all service members have the resources they need to serve effectively, and that their families are treated with respect. Blocking access to this essential healthcare jeopardizes that mission and diminishes our ability to defend the nation. 

 “We urge the Senate to reject this harmful legislation and demonstrate a commitment to our service members - every one of them, including those with trans family members. They deserve our best, not this dishonorable attack on their dignity and rights." 

Trans people regularly serve in the armed forces with honor and distinction. While there is no data available on exactly how many service members have trans children, we do know that nearly one in five trans people are active-duty service members or veterans - a rate nearly double that of the general population.  While support for trans veterans has improved, significant challenges remain. These include difficulties obtaining updated service records that protect their privacy, securing VA coverage for necessary medical procedures, and accessing care and benefits free from discrimination and bias.  

To learn more about the needs of trans veterans and service members and find support for them and their families, explore the Advocates for Trans Equality Military and Veterans resource guide: https://transequality.org/issues/military-veterans 

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About A4TE 

Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) is an organization that fights for the legal and political rights of transgender people in the United States. Introduced in July 2024 after the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund and National Center for Transgender Equality merged, A4TE is the largest trans-led advocacy organization in the U.S. and brings together experts, advocates, and communities to shift government and society toward an equitable future where trans people live joyful lives without barriers.