HHS Secretary's Heated Exchange with GOP Lawmaker over Transgender Surgeries

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra faced a heated exchange with Rep. Mary Miller over accusations that a new Health Department rule would withhold funding from hospitals that refuse to perform transgender surgeries on religious grounds. Catholic groups and other conservative organizations have condemned the rule, claiming it violates religious freedom and endangers the care of millions of Americans.

Amidst escalating tensions over transgender healthcare, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra found himself embroiled in a heated confrontation with Rep. Mary Miller during a House hearing on Wednesday. The clash erupted when Miller pressed Becerra on allegations that a new Health Department rule would tie hospitals' hands on transgender surgeries.

Miller demanded a commitment from Becerra that he would not block federal dollars from doctors or hospitals that decline to provide "gender-affirming care" due to religious beliefs. Becerra responded by distinguishing between individual doctors and health care facilities, asserting that doctors with religious objections are not required to offer such care under the new rules.

However, Miller continued to grill Becerra on the implications for faith-based hospitals where many doctors work. Becerra maintained that health care facilities found to be violating the law and withholding necessary services would not be entitled to federal resources. He emphasized that doctors' religious objections did not absolve them from providing all required services.

The exchange escalated as Miller accused Becerra of withholding funds from religious hospitals that refused to perform sex-change operations on young children. Becerra vehemently denied these claims, reiterating that doctors with religious objections are not obligated to provide specific services.

CatholicVote President Brian Burch expressed outrage over Becerra's stance, accusing him of targeting Catholics and threatening the care of millions of Americans. Burch condemned the administration's "overt hostility" toward religious institutions.

Solidarity HealthShare President Chris Faddis echoed these concerns, highlighting the rule's mandate for gender transition surgeries regardless of the religious beliefs of doctors or health care systems. Faddis questioned the administration's commitment to religious freedom in light of these regulations.

Katy Talento of the Alliance of Health Care Sharing Ministries asserted that the rule would force hospitals to choose between providing transgender surgeries or losing access to federal funding for essential services like Medicaid and Medicare.

Walker Wildmon of the American Family Association condemned the administration's "wicked agenda," accusing it of promoting gender ideology over the best interests of young people.

The HHS has yet to provide an official statement on the matter. As the debate over transgender healthcare continues to intensify, the ongoing tensions between the government and religious organizations are likely to intensify.