Defiance from Hospitals: Transgender Medical Treatments Continue Despite Trump’s Executive Order
Introduction
In the wake of President Trump’s executive order aimed at restricting transgender medical treatments for minors, a number of hospitals and clinics across the country are defying the directive, vowing to continue providing these crucial services.
Mass General Brigham and Boston Area Hospitals
In Boston, Mass General Brigham and other area hospitals have confirmed that they will proceed with transgender medical treatments as usual. A hospital spokesperson stated that they are reviewing the federal order to assess its potential impact once implemented.
Oregon Health & Science University
Oregon Health & Science University, a leading provider of transgender surgeries in the state, has categorically rejected Trump’s order, declaring that they anticipate no disruptions to their services.
Hospitals in Minnesota
Several hospitals in Minnesota have reaffirmed their commitment to offering transgender medical treatments. No hospital in the state has publicly announced any reductions in these services.
Defiance Amidst Conflicting Directives
The defiance from these hospitals stems from conflicting directives from state and federal officials. New York Attorney General Letitia James has warned hospitals in the state that compliance with Trump’s order would violate state discrimination laws. Conversely, attorneys general from 15 states have argued that a court ruling declaring Trump’s broad federal funding freeze unlawful also nullifies his threat to cut funding from hospitals that provide transgender services.
Limited Compliance in Some Hospitals
While many hospitals have unequivocally rejected Trump’s order, others have taken limited steps to comply. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago will continue to offer puberty blockers, hormones, and mental health services but will no longer perform surgeries. Childrens Hospital Los Angeles in California will cease accepting new patients seeking transgender medications but will continue providing these medications to existing patients.
Termination of Transgender Surgeries
Denver Health, however, has terminated all transgender surgeries, although patients currently receiving hormone therapy can continue to do so until the end of February.
Legal Challenges to Trump’s Order
The Trump administration’s executive order is facing legal challenges from state attorneys general, transgender patients and their families, and a clinic providing transgender treatment. In response to the administration withdrawing a $1.6 million grant from St. John’s Community Health in Los Angeles, the clinic intends to sue, arguing that Trump’s actions constitute overreach and interfere in private relationships.
Conclusion
The defiance of hospitals and clinics against Trump’s executive order underscores the growing support for transgender rights and the recognition of the importance of gender-affirming care. Despite the conflicting directives from state and federal officials, these institutions are standing firm in their commitment to providing necessary medical treatments to transgender youth.
