Capitol News

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump Administration from withholding funding for teen reproductive and sexual health education programs due to language that recognizes all young peoples’ gender identities. The decision comes as part of a lawsuit brought by 17 attorneys general, including Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

“This unlawful action by the Trump Administration would have put the health and safety of our kids at risk,” said Nessel. “For trans youth, who already face higher rates of bullying, isolation, and health disparities, this attempt to erase their very existence from educational programs was not just cruel but dangerous. I will continue to fight against illegal measures that jeopardize the well-being of Michiganders.”

In August, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had threatened to withdraw nearly $3.4 million in Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) funds from Michigan. These funds support medically accurate education aimed at reducing teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections in 25 schools and eight community organizations across the state.

The coalition of attorneys general argued that HHS’s actions violated both the Administrative Procedure Act and the United States Constitution. They claimed Congress established PREP with requirements that contradict what they described as the administration’s stance on gender identity issues.

The group also asserted that forcing states to use incomplete or medically unsupported program content violates congressional laws, is arbitrary under administrative law, undermines congressional spending authority, and breaches separation of powers principles.

Other states joining Michigan in securing this preliminary injunction include Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai‘i, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, Wisconsin as well as the District of Columbia.