FBI seeks tips on gender-affirming surgeries for children

Driving the news: "Help the FBI protect children," the FBI wrote. "As the Attorney General has made clear, we will protect our children and hold accountable those who mutilate them under the guise of gender-affirming care."

• President Trump's policies have singled out the transgender community, jeopardizing federal recognition for people's declared gender identity and access to services like gender-affirming health care.

Reality check: Gender-affirming surgery is rare in adolescents and considered on a case-by-case basis.

• The overwhelming majority of youth who receive gender-affirming care report high levels of satisfaction, improving mental health, and low levels of regret, research shows.

Zoom out: Medicare wrote selected hospitals last week seeking billing codes and projected revenue from treating gender dysphoria in children, along with how the hospitals plan to change clinical practice guidelines to fit with a recent department review.

• The review asserted that gender-affirming care for minors has significant risks with little evidence, which drew close scrutiny among major medical associations.

What they're saying: "Health care for trans youth is just that — it's health care," Laurel Powell, a Human Rights Campaign spokesperson, said in a statement.

• "Threatening to weaponize the FBI against American doctors who are following medical best practice would undermine parents who just want their children to thrive. There is no room for Donald Trump, the FBI or anyone else in the exam room."

Go deeper: Trans community most targeted in anti-LGBTQ+ incidents, GLAAD data shows

Editor's note: This article has been updated.