A federal judge in Oregon said Thursday he will block an effort by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to restrict federal funding for gender-related medical care for minors, siding with a coalition of Democrat-led states that challenged the policy.

U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai indicated during a hearing in Eugene that he plans to grant summary judgment in favor of 19 states and Washington, D.C., which argued the policy overstepped federal authority and violated existing law.

The policy, issued in December, stated that the Department of Health and Human Services could bar healthcare providers offering gender-related treatments to minors from receiving federal funds through Medicaid and Medicare, and could also restrict coverage under the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Judge Kasubhai also denied a motion from the Department of Health and Human Services seeking to dismiss the lawsuit, allowing the states’ challenge to proceed and effectively halting enforcement of the policy.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, one of the officials leading the lawsuit, said the ruling ensures that providers and families can continue accessing such treatments without federal interference.

The case centers on whether the federal government can use funding mechanisms to influence or restrict medical practices related to minors diagnosed with gender dysphoria. In its original declaration, HHS argued that available evidence suggested such treatments carry an unfavorable risk-benefit profile for children and adolescents.

The ruling comes as the Trump administration has pursued broader efforts to roll back federal policies related to transgender issues, including restrictions involving military service, identification documents, and workplace regulations.

No immediate response was issued by federal health officials following the judge’s decision.