UVA Hospital Discontinues Transgender Treatments for Minors Amidst Federal Funding Concerns
The University of Virginia Health Hospital has announced its decision to cease providing transgender treatments to new patients under the age of 11, aligning itself with a recent executive order issued by former President Donald Trump. This decision comes after the hospital faced the prospect of losing federal funding due to its previous provision of such treatments to minors.
Transgender Medical Care at UVA
Prior to this change, the University of Virginia Medical Center, affiliated with the University of Virginia (UVA), offered transgender medical care to minors aged 11 to 25. These services included puberty blockers, which delay sex-related physical changes, and cross-sex hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen.
Executive Order Banning Transgender Treatments
In January 2021, President Trump signed an executive order prohibiting federal funding for institutions that provide "chemical and surgical sex-change procedures" for minors. This order threatened to cut off financial support for hospitals and other healthcare providers who continued to offer such treatments.
UVA’s Response
In response to the executive order, the Board of Visitors at UVA passed a resolution to discontinue the provision of transgender treatments to new patients under the age of 11. This decision was made to ensure compliance with the federal order and avoid the loss of significant federal funding.
Current Services and Referrals
Under the new resolution, UVA Hospital will no longer offer the following services to new minor patients:
- Sex-related treatments
- Contraception
- Referrals for gender-affirming surgeries
- Voice therapy
Existing patients currently receiving transgender care at the hospital will be referred to alternate private healthcare providers.
Federal Funding Concerns
UVA Hospital affiliates currently receive over $100 million in federal funding from the National Institute of Health (NIH) each year. According to the new resolution, the loss of such funding could jeopardize the financial viability of the University.
Political Reaction
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, praised the University’s decision to discontinue transgender treatments for minors. In a statement, he wrote, "Common sense and medical ethics have prevailed."
Some advocacy groups have criticized the move, claiming that it is discriminatory and deprives transgender youth of essential medical care.
Implications for Transgender Healthcare
The UVA Hospital’s decision is part of a broader trend in the United States. Several states have passed laws restricting or banning transgender treatments for minors, while others are considering similar measures. These restrictions have raised concerns about the impact on transgender youth, who may face significant barriers to accessing appropriate medical care.
Conclusion
The University of Virginia Health Hospital’s decision to cease providing transgender treatments to new patients under the age of 11 highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities surrounding healthcare for transgender youth. The interplay between federal funding, legal restrictions, and ethical considerations will continue to shape the availability of transgender treatments and support services in the years to come.
