In a significant shift in healthcare policy, multiple hospitals across Virginia, Colorado, and Washington, D.C., have suspended body-altering interventions for minors grappling with gender identity issues. This decision comes in response to an executive order issued by President Donald Trump, which aims to halt federal funding for what he describes as the "chemical and surgical mutilation" of children.
Among the institutions making this change are Denver Health in Colorado and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health, which includes the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. These hospitals have announced a temporary suspension of what is commonly referred to as "gender-affirming care." The Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., has also paused the prescription of puberty blockers and hormone-suppressing medications for patients under 19, citing their existing policy of not performing sex-change surgeries on minors.
Trump’s executive order, titled "Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation," emphasizes the need to eliminate federal funding for medical facilities that support experimental treatments for children experiencing gender dysphoria. The order specifies that "children" refers to individuals under the age of 19, and it mandates that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) review existing literature to establish best practices for assisting youth who are confused about their gender identity.
In an official statement, VCU Health confirmed the suspension of gender-affirming medications and surgeries for minors, stating, "We are committed to ensuring that we’re always delivering care in accordance with the law." This aligns with the guidance provided by the state, which has prompted these hospitals to reassess their treatment protocols.
Denver Health has also announced a temporary halt on sex-change surgeries for minors while they seek clarity on compliance with the executive order. However, the hospital has not yet clarified its stance on hormone-suppressing drugs for teenagers. The executive order outlines potential criminal and financial consequences for non-compliance, including the risk of losing participation in federally funded programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, which are crucial for many healthcare providers.
The order comes amid growing scrutiny over the rising number of minors seeking medical help for gender dysphoria. In the United States, over two dozen states have enacted policies that restrict surgical and hormonal interventions for minors. This trend mirrors developments in the United Kingdom, where the National Health Service recently released the Cass Review, which recommended a cautious approach to prescribing puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to minors. The review highlighted the lack of robust evidence supporting the long-term benefits of such interventions, urging healthcare providers to exercise extreme caution.
As hospitals reevaluate their practices in light of these new guidelines, they emphasize their commitment to providing comprehensive care to all patients, including those from the LGBTQ+ community. Denver Health reassured patients that they can continue to access primary and behavioral health services while discussing any necessary adjustments to their treatment plans with their healthcare providers.
In a world where discussions about gender identity and medical interventions for minors are increasingly polarizing, these recent developments highlight the importance of careful consideration and adherence to established guidelines. As healthcare providers respond to the evolving landscape of gender-affirming care, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being of all patients, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
For further insights into the implications of these changes and the ongoing debate surrounding gender-affirming care for minors, you can explore resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Institute of Health.