CDC Removes Key Webpages on Sexual and Gender Identity, Health Equity
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has removed more than a dozen webpages related to sexual and gender identity, health equity, and related public health topics. This action followed a directive from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued on September 19, according to an internal CDC email obtained by CNBC. The removed pages covered a range of subjects, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among gay men, health equity for people with disabilities, and fact sheets on asexuality and bisexuality. The removals have raised concerns about potential gaps in access to critical health information for marginalized groups.Health Equity Advocates Warn of Consequences
“Stripping away resources on gender identity does not erase the need, it only erodes trust, creates confusion, and places patients at greater risk,” said a spokesperson for the LGBT PA Caucus, a nonprofit organization promoting LGBTQ+ health-care equity. “Clinicians and the communities they serve rely on accessible, accurate, and inclusive guidance to deliver safe and effective care.”
HHS Statement and Context
An HHS spokesperson confirmed that the CDC is aligning its website content with Administration priorities and Executive Orders. The CDC referred CNBC to HHS for additional comments. The directive to remove these pages is consistent with prior actions under the Trump administration, which issued executive orders limiting references to gender identity in federal policies and documents. These policies have historically targeted materials related to transgender and nonbinary individuals, as well as broader diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.Legal Challenges and Previous Restorations
Beginning in late January, thousands of webpages across federal health agencies, including the CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), were removed following President Trump’s executive order. A federal judge temporarily ordered the restoration of many of these pages amid ongoing litigation. In July, the court ruled that the government’s mass removal of health resources was unlawful and required agencies to review and restore affected content. By September 19, most agencies reported compliance with the restoration order, although some CDC pages remained under review. Despite this, the CDC removed additional pages on the very day agencies reported progress on restoration, raising questions about the rationale behind these latest actions.Key Removed Pages
- STI information for gay men and transgender individuals
- Health equity fact sheets for people with disabilities
- Resources on bisexuality and asexuality
- Information on viral hepatitis and tuberculosis among specific populations
- CDC’s CORE Commitment to Health Equity
- Guidelines for comprehensive sex education
Implications for Public Health and Equity
The removal of these resources may create significant gaps in public health information, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals and other marginalized communities who rely on government guidance for safe and inclusive care.“Removing trusted resources does not eliminate the need for accurate information—it undermines trust and increases health risks,” experts warn.
FinOracleAI — Market View
The CDC’s removal of multiple webpages addressing sexual and gender identity and health equity reflects ongoing political influence on federal health communication. This decision may disrupt critical information flows to vulnerable populations, potentially impacting public trust and healthcare outcomes.- Opportunities: Potential for renewed advocacy and policy efforts to restore and protect inclusive health information.
- Risks: Increased health disparities due to reduced access to tailored information for marginalized communities.
- Market impact: Healthcare providers and public health organizations may face challenges in delivering equitable care without reliable federal guidance.
- Regulatory uncertainty: Continued legal and political disputes could affect the stability of health information dissemination.
