Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday she is working at the national level to support gender-affirming care for transgender children. Her remarks came during a visit to the San Francisco VA Medical Center, where she discussed healthcare and Republican efforts to cut veterans’ services. When asked about pauses in transgender youth care in California, Pelosi gave a hesitant response, expressing hope that gender-affirming care could continue for trans youth but acknowledging limited federal influence.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday she is working at the national level to support gender-affirming care for transgender children. Her remarks came during a visit to the San Francisco VA Medical Center, where she discussed healthcare and Republican efforts to cut veterans’ services. When asked about pauses in transgender youth care in California, Pelosi gave a hesitant response, expressing hope that gender-affirming care could continue for trans youth but acknowledging limited federal influence

Pelosi confirmed she is not alone in advocating for these services, noting support among her colleagues and symbolically referencing the transgender flag outside her office in the Capitol. However, she admitted uncertainty about how much impact her efforts could have at the national level given current political dynamics in Congress and the White House.

Meanwhile, over a dozen Democratic-led states, including California and New York, are suing the Trump administration in response to recent executive actions targeting medical treatments for transgender minors. The lawsuit alleges that the administration is attempting to ban such care nationwide by threatening providers with criminal investigations and prosecution.

The legal challenge specifically targets a January 28 executive order from President Trump and subsequent memos from Attorney General Pam Bondi and Assistant AG Brett Shumate. These directives direct federal agencies to pursue action against providers offering gender transition-related treatments to individuals under 19.

Several major healthcare providers have already responded. Kaiser Permanente announced a pause on such procedures for minors starting August 29, while other facilities — including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. — have closed or scaled back trans youth care programs.

Public opinion remains divided. Pew Research shows that while a majority of Americans oppose sex change treatments for minors, Pelosi and Democratic allies continue to push back against restrictions. Critics warn that such policies may hurt Democrats politically as national debates over trans issues grow more contentious.