The Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has made a significant decision to halt body-altering gender surgeries and the administration of puberty-blocking drugs for individuals under 19 struggling with gender dysphoria. This announcement, made on Tuesday, has sparked a wave of reactions from various stakeholders, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding gender-affirming care.
In a statement, VCU Health expressed its commitment to patient care, acknowledging the challenges this change poses for many families and community members. "We recognize how difficult this change is for many of our patients, families, team members, and community members. Our care teams remain committed to their patient families," the hospital said. The transition to cease these services will occur over the next 90 days, with existing patients receiving support and assistance for safe transitions to other care providers.
This decision aligns with a growing trend among medical institutions across the United States, particularly following an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump earlier this year. The order stated that hospitals could risk losing federal funding if they continued to provide surgical procedures or hormone treatments to minors identifying as the opposite sex. The executive order emphasized that the U.S. government would not fund or support what it termed "the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another."
Shannon McKay, the executive director of the LGBT advocacy group He She Ze and We, expressed disappointment over VCU’s decision, stating that it succumbs to political pressure. "We will never stop supporting our transgender loved ones, their families, and allies who want to work alongside us. These are challenging times," McKay remarked.
VCU Health had previously suspended these services in January, responding to guidance from Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares. In a letter, Miyares warned that institutions providing such procedures could face significant legal and financial risks, stating, "Any institution that continues to engage in such mutilation unacceptably and unjustifiably endangers not only itself and the Commonwealth but also the vulnerable children of this Commonwealth."
The conversation surrounding gender-affirming care is not limited to the U.S. European countries, including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Norway, have also reevaluated their approaches to treating minors with gender dysphoria. The U.K.’s National Health Service has paused appointments for under-18s after a review revealed a lack of evidence regarding the long-term outcomes of interventions for gender-related distress.
In the U.S., more than two dozen states have enacted policies banning hormone treatments and surgeries for minors, reflecting a growing concern about the potential long-term impacts of such interventions. Recent actions by other healthcare providers, such as Kaiser Permanente and Children’s National Hospital, indicate a broader shift in the medical community’s approach to gender-affirming care for youth.
As VCU Health transitions away from these services, it raises important questions about the implications for patients and families involved in gender-affirming care. The hospital’s commitment to compassionate care during this process is vital as it navigates the complexities of this contentious issue.
For those seeking more information on the evolving landscape of gender-affirming care and its impact on youth, resources such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Institutes of Health provide valuable insights and research findings.
This decision by VCU Health is part of a larger conversation about the responsibilities of medical institutions in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations while balancing ethical considerations and societal pressures. As this dialogue continues, the experiences and voices of those affected will remain central to shaping the future of gender-affirming care in the United States and beyond.