Department of Health and Human Services Updates Definitions of Female, Male

The update comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January aimed at ‘defending women from gender ideology extremism.’

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. listens during a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., on Aug. 23, 2024. Rebecca Noble/Getty Images

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Feb. 19 issued new guidance updating its official definitions of terms such as sex, female, and male as part of President Donald Trump’s efforts to restore “the concept of biological truth” in the federal government.

It is one of the first actions taken by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. following his confirmation last week.