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

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. The appeal challenges the lower court’s grant of a preliminary injunction.

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.