US Health Department Redefines 'Male' and 'Female' in New Guidance Following Trump's Executive Orders

Washington: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued updated guidance on Wednesday, redefining official terms such as sex, female, and male, in alignment with President Donald Trump’s executive orders limiting transgender rights.

Reuters recently reported that the guidance reaffirms the administration’s stance that male and female are the only two sexes and that they cannot be changed. This move marks one of the first actions taken by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who was confirmed last week as the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Who is a Male?

As per US HHS, a male is "a person of the sex characterized by a reproductive system with the biological function of producing sperm."

Who is a Female?

As per US HHS, a female is "a person of the sex characterized by a reproductive system with the biological function of producing eggs."

Determination of Human Sex

The HHS further asserts, “The sex of a human, female or male, is determined genetically at conception (fertilization), and is observable before birth.”

Kennedy emphasized the administration’s approach, stating, “This administration is bringing back common sense and restoring biological truth to the federal government. The prior administration's policy of trying to engineer gender ideology into every aspect of public life is over.”

Trump has vowed to roll back what he describes as the government's promotion of “gender ideology”, a term frequently used by conservative groups to criticize non-traditional perspectives on sex and gender. However, LGBTQ+ rights activists argue that the phrase is an anti-LGBTQ trope used to undermine transgender and non-binary individuals.

Transgender rights have been a contentious issue in U.S. politics, with several Republican lawmakers campaigning to overturn transgender-inclusive policies during the November elections. On his first day back in office, Trump signed multiple executive orders, rescinding several measures aimed at promoting racial equity and protecting LGBTQ+ rights.

Additionally, the HHS stated it was complying with another Trump executive order by taking steps to prevent what it termed the “chemical and surgical mutilation” of children, a reference to gender-affirming care that includes puberty-blocking medication, hormone therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

The department did not specify the actions it would take in this regard. However, a federal judge has temporarily blocked health agencies from enforcing the order, pending further legal proceedings.