During his campaign, President Donald J. Trump made a bold commitment: to end the procedures he deemed harmful to children. He stated, “We are not going to allow child sexual mutilation.” This promise resonated with many who felt that such surgeries and treatments for minors needed reevaluation.
Recently, a significant shift has occurred in the healthcare landscape. Yale New Haven Health and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center have announced they will stop offering gender-affirming care services for minors. They are joining a growing list of healthcare facilities nationwide that are reevaluating their approach following Trump’s executive order.
- Phoenix Children’s Hospital has stopped providing puberty blockers and hormone therapy to minors.
- Stanford Medicine has halted sex-change surgeries for minors.
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles closed its Center for Transyouth Health and Development.
- Denver Health paused sex-change surgeries for those under 19.
- UCHealth in Colorado has ended gender-affirming services for minors.
- Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago has also stopped surgeries for patients under 19.
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital ceased surgeries for minors, adding to the trend.
- In New York City, both Mount Sinai and New York-Presbyterian are curbing access to these services for minors.
- Several Pennsylvania hospitals, including Penn State Health and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, have also stopped gender-affirming care for patients under 19.
- VCU Health in Richmond and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters have made similar decisions.
- Seattle Children’s Hospital and Children’s National Hospital in D.C. have paused treatments as well.
- Kaiser Permanente has suspended sex-change surgeries for minors across its facilities.
This growing trend reflects a larger debate in society about how to handle gender dysphoria in children. Some experts argue that it’s crucial to provide supportive care through counseling and therapy rather than irreversible medical interventions. Dr. Lisa Littman, a leading researcher in this field, emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making for minors, advocating for a thorough understanding of the potential risks and benefits of any medical treatment.
Social media has played a significant role in this ongoing conversation. Many parents and professionals share their stories and opinions online, creating a lively debate. Some support these policy changes, believing they protect children, while others argue for the importance of access to gender-affirming care.
As these hospitals implement new policies, it could impact thousands of families. A recent survey indicated that nearly 60% of parents believe they should have more say in medical decisions regarding their children, especially concerning topics as sensitive as gender identity.
While the healthcare landscape adapts, it’s essential to stay informed and engage in constructive conversations about the care of our youth. Prioritizing child safety and well-being should remain at the forefront of this critical issue.