State of Washington et al. v. Department of Health and Human Services et al.

Docket No.
6:25-cv-01748
District Court
Oregon

Goal

  • Block enforcement of an agency action
  • Declaration that agency action is unlawful

Issues

Why this Matters:

Plaintiffs allege that the Department of Health and Human Services directing plaintiffs to remove all references to “gender ideology,” a vague, ill-defined term that appears sweeping in scope, violates the Administrative Procedure Act, the Spending Clause, and Separation of Powers principles. Through threats of defunding and coercive terms and conditions, plaintiffs argue that the agency is attempting to force changes to their sexual health curricula in violation of laws requiring that federally funded sexual health education content be medically accurate, complete, and culturally appropriate. Federal funding has been instrumental in expanding access to sexual health education programs, and its revocation would have severe impacts on at-risk adolescents and public health goals.

Potential Impact:

Allowing for restructuring of sexual health education programs based on vague notions of “gender identity” could exacerbate health and sexual-wellness risks for adolescents and young adults.

11 Major Filings

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Related Litigation

Current Status

Briefing is ongoing

Important Date

Response To Motion For Preliminary Injunction Due

Legal Issues

Administrative Procedure Act - Contrary to Law, Administrative Procedure Act - Arbitrary and Capricious, Administrative Procedure Act - Contrary to Constitutional Right, Spending Clause, Separation of Powers

Date Filed
September 26, 2025
Case Type
Civil
Court Type
District Court
Court
Oregon
Judge
Aiken, Ann L. Appointed By: William J. Clinton
Plaintiff(s)
State of Washington; State of Oregon; State of Minnesota; State of Colorado; State of Connecticut; State of Delaware; District of Columbia; State of Hawai'i; State of Illinois; State of Maine; State of Maryland; Commonwealth of Massachusetts; State of Michigan; State of New Jersey; State of New York; State of Rhode Island; State of Wisconsin
Lead Counsel For Plaintiff(s)
Government
Defendant(s)
Department of Health and Human Services; Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families; Andrew Gradison
Lead Counsel for Defendant(s)
Government