Veterans Affairs Ends Distribution Of Taxpayer-Funded Chemical Castration Drugs
SUMMARY
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it will phase out the distribution of chemical castration drugs, specifically cross-sex hormone therapy, to trans-identifying veterans, aligning with a January 20 executive order from President Donald Trump recognizing only two sexes. VA Secretary Doug Collins stated, “Eligible veterans, including those identifying as transgender, remain welcome, but sex-change treatments must be self-funded.” The policy shift bars new recipients from receiving such therapy through VA healthcare, though exemptions apply to veterans already in treatment or transitioning from military service. The VA will redirect savings to support severely injured beneficiaries. The agency noted it lacks comprehensive data on past recipients, estimating fewer than 0.1% of its 9.1 million enrolled veterans identify as transgender.
