Who Is Male, Who Is Female? Check Out Revised Definitions of Sex Under Trump Era
The US Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued new guidance redefining "male" and "female" under President Trump’s executive order. The policy states that sex is binary and based strictly on biological function.
What is Sex?
According to the new HHS guidance, sex is a biological trait determined at conception. It is defined by reproductive function and cannot be changed. The policy states that sex is observable before birth and remains fixed throughout life.
Who is Male?
Under the new definition, a male is a person whose reproductive system produces sperm. The guidance states that this characteristic is set at birth and is not subject to change through medical or social transition.
Who is Female?
A female is defined as a person whose reproductive system produces eggs. The HHS policy affirms that this biological trait is determined at conception and cannot be altered.
The new guidance follows Trump’s move to roll back transgender rights. It defines sex as determined at conception and unchangeable. The policy has sparked debates between supporters and rights activists.
Official Statement
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the new policy restores “biological truth” and rejects the previous administration’s approach to gender identity. He emphasized that the government will not promote “gender ideology.”
Trump’s Broader Actions
Trump signed multiple executive orders on his first day, including measures reversing racial equity policies and LGBTQ+ protections. The redefinition of sex is one of several moves to reshape social policies.
Gender-Affirming Care
The administration has taken steps to prevent what it calls the “chemical and surgical mutilation” of children, referring to puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgeries. However, specific actions were not detailed.
Legal Challenges
A federal judge has temporarily blocked health agencies from enforcing the new policy. Rights groups argue that the change is discriminatory and could lead to legal battles over transgender healthcare and protections.
The debate over transgender rights remains a major political issue. With legal challenges underway, the final impact of the policy remains uncertain, but it signals a significant shift in how the US government defines gender.