New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a warning to hospitals on Monday, stating that they would be violating state law if they stopped providing gender-affirming care to individuals under 19 in response to an executive order from former President Donald Trump aimed at reducing federal funding for such treatments.
In a letter, James, a Democrat, reminded healthcare providers that refusing to offer these services would go against New York’s anti-discrimination laws, regardless of any federal funding changes.
“Regardless of the availability of federal funding, we write to further remind you of your obligations to comply with New York State laws,” the letter said.
Last week, Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to ensure that hospitals receiving research and education grants cease what he described as “the chemical and surgical mutilation of children.” The order uses terms like “maiming,” “sterilizing,” and “mutilation,” language that contradicts the standard understanding of gender-affirming care in the U.S.
The letter from James comes after some hospitals in Colorado, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., paused gender-affirming treatments for minors as they assessed the implications of the order. On Monday, the White House issued a statement claiming the executive order was already having the desired effect.
The Greater New York Hospital Association says it is in close communication with its member hospitals about the executive order. Brian Conway, a spokesperson for the association, said they are working collaboratively to assess its legal and clinical impacts, with ongoing discussions.
While gender-affirming care for transgender youth is rare, it has become a highly charged political issue. A recent study revealed that fewer than 1 in 1,000 adolescents with commercial insurance in the U.S. received puberty blockers or hormones over a five-year period.
Image Credit: Office Of the New York State Attorney General