
Multiple U.S. government health agency websites containing information on HIV, contraception, and LGBTQ+ health have been taken offline to comply with executive orders issued by President Donald Trump. The affected websites include those belonging to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Webpages and Data Removed
Officials at the CDC confirmed that webpages containing information on HIV transmission rates, infection demographics, and prevention strategies have been removed. The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, which tracks adolescent behaviors including gender identity, was also taken down. Additionally, the HIV Risk Reduction Tool, an interactive resource that assessed HIV transmission risk, has been erased.
Other removed resources include:
ReproductiveRights.gov, which provided information on reproductive care and abortion access.
The FDA’s Minority Health and Health Equity page.
Various CDC pages referencing gender equity, diversity, and inclusive terminology such as “pregnant people” and “chestfeeding.”
Potential for Content Restoration
HHS and CDC officials indicated that some pages may be reinstated after a review process, during which specific language will be removed. However, it remains unclear which resources, if any, will return.
In response to the removals, researchers have been working to archive public health data before it disappears permanently.
Executive Orders and Government Response
The action follows Trump’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and policies related to gender identity within the federal government. One directive, titled "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," orders agencies to recognize only two sexes: male and female and eliminate policies referencing gender ideology.
When asked about the removals, Trump suggested further website reviews might be necessary, stating: “It doesn’t sound like a bad idea to me.”
A memo sent to HHS officials on Wednesday instructed agencies to delete online materials promoting gender ideology by Friday 31 January, 2024, at 5 p.m.
While public health experts have raised concerns about access to critical health information, the administration has not commented on whether the affected resources will be replaced or revised in the future.
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