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Several hospitals are scaling back on providing “gender-affirming care” for young patients, aligning with a recent executive order against these practices.
Rush Medical Center in Chicago is the most recent large health system to announce the cessation of these gender-related treatments.
The hospital’s representative, Tobin Klinger, confirmed to local media that they have “paused” hormonal therapies for new patients under 18.
Rush has refrained from offering gender-related surgery to minors since 2023, according to Klinger.
(Adults and minors already receiving care will continue to be eligible for treatments.)
Several hospitals are pulling back on providing “gender-affirming care” for young patients, in accordance with a recent executive order against these practices. (iStock)
These changes come in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order, titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation,” issued on January 28, 2025.
The order specifies that the administration will not support procedures involving the transition of a child from one sex to another, and will enforce laws prohibiting such procedures.
For patients aged 19 and under, “chemical and surgical mutilation” encompasses the use of puberty blockers, sex hormones, and surgical procedures, as per the order on The White House’s website.
On July 9, the Department of Justice announced issuing over 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics involved in performing “transgender medical procedures” on children.
Other hospitals have taken actions similar to Rush Medical Center.
NewYork-Presbyterian appears to have revised its COMPASS Program, removing verbiage related to gender-affirming care.
“You don’t permanently alter your body without exhausting every other option first.”
The program is now described as “a supportive space for youth and gender,” with no mention of gender-affirming care.
A spokesperson for NewYork-Presbyterian provided the following statement:
“We are working to comply with state and federal laws and regulations while prioritizing serving our patients with compassion and responsibility.”
For patients aged 19 and under, “chemical and surgical mutilation” encompasses the use of puberty blockers, sex hormones, and surgical procedures, as per the order on The White House’s website. (iStock)
Stanford Medicine has reportedly also halted gender-affirming surgeries for LGBTQ+ patients under the age of 19.
NYU Langone and Cleveland Clinic have also confirmed that they do not provide gender-affirming treatments for patients under 19.
Previous research has indicated potential harm to young people’s mental health from gender-affirming surgeries.
Previous studies have suggested that “gender-affirming surgeries” can be harmful to young people’s mental health. (iStock)
Health experts advise proper support and compassion for teens undergoing treatment for gender dysphoria, cautioning against hasty medical decisions.
Comprehensive psychological evaluations, mental health support, lifestyle modifications, and counseling should be prioritized before considering surgery, according to experts.
On July 9, the Department of Justice announced it’s issued more than 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics involved in performing “transgender medical procedures” on children.
Health professionals stress the importance of exploring all options before pursuing irreversible changes or life-altering procedures.
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Fox News Digital reached out to all hospitals mentioned above for comment.
