The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on Monday announced that it will “phase out” sex change drugs for transgender-identifying veterans.
“I mean no disrespect to anyone, but VA should not be focused on helping Veterans attempt to change their sex. The vast majority of Veterans and Americans agree, and that is why this is the right decision,” VA Secretary Doug Collins said in a statement.
“All eligible Veterans – including trans-identified Veterans – will always be welcome at VA and will always receive the benefits and services they’ve earned under the law. But if Veterans want to attempt to change their sex, they can do so on their own dime,” he added.
The department said it is making the change to “fully comply” with President Donald Trump’s executive order, “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” which states that “it is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.”
“These sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality,” the order reads.
The VA said all savings accrued by stopping sex changes drugs for gender dysphoria will be redirected to help severely injured beneficiaries, such as those who are paralyzed or have had amputations, to regain independence.