*Editor’s note: “Stop covering politics,” some of our dear readers cry every time we post something relephant. Look: politics are life. Equal rights, empathy, fair economy, healthcare. We can’t ignore what’s happening, and you shouldn’t either. Disagree? We’re happy to share your experience here. 

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“The power of the Universal Declaration is the power of ideas to change the world. It inspires us to continue working to ensure all people can gain freedom, equality and dignity.” ~ Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

Defending Women and Children: Trump’s Executive Order 14168

On February 19, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published an article announcing that it has taken “action to support Trump’s executive order to defend women and children” while restoring the concept of biological truth within the federal government.

Executive Order 14168 is “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.”

The faster and more forceful a change is implemented, the less likely it is to have lasting effects.

To ensure the enduring impact of cultural transformations, society must be willing to invest in them, actively engage with them, and be patient for the long haul—it must fully commit. How do we, as a society, commit to changes that are “ordered” and forced upon us?

Since COVID-19, our world has experienced too much change, some imposed and some gradual. We have (mostly) adapted as a society, but when will we realize that integrity must be an integral part of the change process for positive progress?

As a healthcare professional, I understand the physical aspects of the human body and our bodies and minds’ emotional and psychological components. As a registered nurse, I have taken an oath to protect my patients, respect their decisions, and provide a well-informed education. I do not judge the sexual identity that a person expresses. However, I cannot ignore the biological differences in muscular mass between male and female bodies.

Knowing what I know about the body and yet understanding that we have rights as humans, I have mixed feelings about the executive order.

I am an avid health freak, a research junkie, a mother of two girls, and a grandmother of three granddaughters. I understand the basic maternal instincts of what Trump is trying to accomplish—fairness within women’s sports. When I read this new order, I knew I had to share some of my thoughts with the world.

I rely on my understanding of the human body and its physical and mental capabilities. I understand that chemical and hormonal imbalances can and do occur within our bodies from birth. Scientists have even proven that some babies are born with alterations in their chromosomes, a few extra Xs or Ys, and they can have a genetic disorder where they are born unable to reproduce as they lack gametes (sperm or ova).

What about the ovotesticular disorder of sex development, formerly known as “hermaphroditism?” These babies are born with both ovaries and testicular tissue. These humans do not fall nicely and neatly into HHS’s definition of male or female.

I understand that biologically, women have a smaller bone structure and less muscle mass density. A genetically male individual transitioning to a female identity will not lose all their bone density or muscle mass to match a woman’s.

For example, I work out daily, lift weights, and bench press up to 135 lbs. However, suppose I was approached by a biologically born male who identifies as a woman. In that case, I fully acknowledge that this individual could easily outlift me in a competition due to their naturally occurring physical body structure.

I am not here to pass judgment with this article; I hope to enlighten, evoke emotions, and encourage us to consider the issue from all perspectives. I want to broaden our understanding of culture and explore how we can foster positive change in our society by creating a new culture rather than simply condemning something and trying to impose a cultural shift.

One side could argue that we are what we physically are born; as such, the definitions define:

Sex: A person’s immutable [irreversible] biological [genetic/natural] classification as either male or female.

Female: is a person of the sex characterized by a reproductive system with the biological function of producing eggs (ova).

Male: is a person of the sex characterized by a reproductive system with the biological function of producing sperm.

The other side could argue that a biologically born female can have her uterus and ovaries removed, as a biologically born male can have his reproductive system removed. At that time, neither person any longer fits the HHS definition of a male or a female.

This new executive order taught me that I have more questions than answers.

While researching the topic, I came across the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

UDHR is the first universal legal document that protects the basics of all human rights.

“Human rights are rights we have simply because we exist as human beings – they are not granted by any state. These universal rights are inherent to us all, regardless of nationality, sex, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, or any other status. They range from the most fundamental – the right to life – to those that make life worth living, such as the rights to food, education, work, health, and liberty.”

Regardless of your side, this order evokes feelings beyond prohibiting someone from participating in a sport. It touches on our leaders’ power over society and highlights the lack of consideration they may have given to understanding the human body’s complexities, related surgeries, and even our legal framework. Based on its definitions, the order disregards the physical differences between male and female anatomy. And it disregards those who have transitioned from one sexual identity to another.

Consider the aspect of “all humans have rights.” Let us explore a few thought-provoking questions.

What specific research was conducted to support the claims made before the announcement of the executive order?

Many people would agree that the definitions surrounding gender have significant flaws. These definitions often leave room for disagreements when distinguishing between males and females based solely on simplistic criteria. Announcing such drastic changes within our community can provoke strong emotions that may seriously affect our children and those responsible for guiding our society.

However, according to the UDHR, all humans are equally entitled to their human rights, which should never be taken away—except if a court finds them guilty of violating the law.

Is Trump trying to prove that transgender people are violating the law by participating in all women’s sports?

If so, would there not need to be something in the order of transgender people, I mean, even a definition?

What criteria should be established to determine participation in sports based on the nuances of gender identity and biological sex?

I believe that more than just a definition is needed to protect women and children. Based on the definition alone, if a biologically born male undergoes reproductive organ removal in a court of law, he would not be classified as a male by the HHS definition. What is the definition of such a person?

I know a little about the law, and I’m sure there is a loophole to be found if this transgender female were granted legal access to participate in female sports.

Additionally, Article 27 states:

“You have the right to share the benefits of your community’s culture, arts and sciences. Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.”

 Article 30 states that rights are inalienable:

“No one, institution nor individual, should act in any way to destroy the rights enshrined in the UDHR. Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.”

 As a country—as the world—we must, we have to protect all. However, to protect women and children and keep men out of women’s sports, all sides must be equal. Women, therefore, cannot partake in men’s sports.

Executive Order 14168 discusses fairness and protecting “All women’s Sports,” but how can we achieve this and protect human rights?

How will the complexities of gender identity and definitions affect children raised in non-traditional family structures?

What about the definitions of a mother and a father? HHS defines a mother as a female parent, while a father is a male parent.

Many children have been adopted by same-sex couples—two males or two females—who may have undergone sexual reproductive surgery and now identify with a different sexual orientation. How will these children be affected? Will they be unable to refer to one parent as their mother or father because the parent has undergone a sex change?

Under the UDHR Article 16 states:

“Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.

Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.

The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.”

This is interesting because the article does not state a man and a man, nor does it state a woman and a woman have the right to marriage. Based on the HHS definition of a mother and father, even transgender couples are not protected under this article.

Our world is changing ever so fast, and we as a society are failing to keep up.

Laws, executive orders, and acts are being formulated without due diligence. More research is needed to define sexual identity clearly. What truly determines a person’s sexual identity? Is it our DNA, or is it our outward physical appearance? Or is it much more than what we already know about sexual identity?

Again, my emotions are stirring, knowing the scientific aspect of the human body that is more complex than merely defining a male or a female by their reproductive organs.

Pick up any paper or read any social media, and you cannot escape the mental health crisis in the world. Excluding a transgender person from having a definition within the order will create even more of a crisis.

These are a few things we can do to support our fellow humans.

>> Talk openly with your community members about the topic to learn more about how people feel. Please encourage them to be open and honest, but do not pass judgment.

>> Check up on your LGBTQ+ friends frequently. Ensure they feel safe and know they have a friend to contact.

>> Write to your local politician offering guidance on delicate topics. I believe they need us as much as we need them. I pray they are open to hearing other sides to help them become more sensitive to the changes that are happening so fast.

>> Check in on yourself. Ensure you are strong and open-minded to changes. Like the changes during COVID-19, there is little control we as a society have right now, but we can pull together for the good of our country—the betterment of our community—even if that circle is small. It is still a positive change we are making.

>> Do your own research and write articles to invoke involvement within your community.

The Conversation posted an article on excluding the LGBTQ+ community from religious settings, and one quote stood out among the many moving conversations.

“I will never be considered human.”

We are all entitled to be treated equally. No matter what.

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