Supreme Court to Decide Legality of State Bans on Transgender Athletes in Girls’ and Women’s Sports
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear two high-profile cases challenging state laws in West Virginia and Idaho that ban transgender students from participating in girls’ and women’s school and collegiate sports. The decisions will address whether such laws violate the 14th Amendment’s equal protection clause and Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. The cases follow growing legal uncertainty and political shifts, with the Trump administration reversing previous federal guidance and the NCAA narrowing eligibility for transgender athletes. The outcome could reshape how academic institutions implement athletics and inclusion policies under federal law.
Key Takeaway: Academic medical centers should closely track this ruling for implications on Title IX compliance, student services, and campus climate. As key institutions within universities, AMCs may face broader scrutiny around gender-affirming care, equity policies, and research involving transgender populations. Leadership should prepare for possible legal or reputational risk, ensure alignment with institutional policies, and proactively support inclusive environments across clinical, academic, and research settings.
CDC: Measles Outbreak Expands Beyond Texas, Linked to Low Vaccination Rates
A major measles outbreak, first reported in West Texas in January 2025, has now spread to multiple states. The CDC confirms at least three deaths, including two unvaccinated children in Texas and one unvaccinated adult in New Mexico. Most cases involve unvaccinated children. CDC data shows many states remain below the 95 percent MMR vaccination rate needed to prevent outbreaks.
Key takeaways: Health systems should prepare for increased measles-related care needs, including possible surges in pediatric cases and inpatient demand. Leaders should ensure providers are equipped to recognize measles symptoms, confirm staff immunizations are up to date, and coordinate with public health agencies. Outreach and education in under-vaccinated communities will be essential to controlling the spread and maintaining public trust in immunization efforts.
HHS Confirms Cancer Program Funding Will Continue Amid Broader Reorganization
The Department of Health and Human Services will renew funding for key state-level cancer programs, including cancer registries and screening efforts, after weeks of uncertainty. More than 50 awards have been issued, with others expected shortly. The funding supports the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, cancer registries, and comprehensive cancer control efforts. While current funding levels are being maintained, HHS’s proposed reorganization and budget cuts threaten future support.
Key Takeaway: Health systems that rely on state partnerships for cancer screening and data collection should maintain close contact with public health departments. Continued support for cancer tracking and prevention is critical for managing community needs, particularly for uninsured populations. However, long-term planning should account for potential disruptions tied to HHS restructuring and proposed chronic disease budget cuts.
States Sue Trump Administration Over Use of Medicaid Data for Immigration Enforcement
Twenty state attorneys general have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for allegedly violating federal privacy laws by sharing Medicaid enrollee data with the Department of Homeland Security. The data, which includes health information from states that fund Medicaid coverage for non-citizens with state dollars, was released despite legal objections from CMS officials and concerns about misuse for immigration enforcement. Health leaders fear the move will deter immigrant patients from seeking needed care, undermining public health and burdening safety net providers.
Key Takeaway: Health systems may see a decline in emergency Medicaid utilization among immigrant patients due to fear and distrust caused by the federal government’s data-sharing actions. This could result in increased uncompensated care burdens and worsened health outcomes. Leaders should closely monitor policy developments and reinforce confidentiality assurances to protect access and trust within immigrant communities.
On the Horizon
Some light long weekend reading weekend reading. H.R. 1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Act
