Children's National Hospital halts gender-affirming medications amid legal pressures

In the United States, specifically in Washington, D.C., Children’s National Hospital announced that it will discontinue the prescription of gender-affirming medications for minors. This decision was made public on the hospital's website and is set to take effect on August 30, 2025. The hospital's Gender Development Program has communicated this change to both new and existing patients, attributing it to rising legal and regulatory risks affecting the institution and its providers. Mental health and other support services for LGBT patients, however, will continue to be available following this decision. The announcement comes at a time of increasing scrutiny over the administration of medical interventions aimed at assisting minors in transitioning to the opposite sex. In recent months, the hospital has faced mounting pressure from both legal avenues and federal directives, including the issuance of over 20 subpoenas from the Trump Justice Department targeting medical professionals and institutions involved in transgender healthcare for minors. The Attorney General has made statements asserting that those involved in what is termed as harmful procedures will face accountability. Children's National Hospital emphasized that they are aware this change could significantly impact affected patients, families, and their staff, and they have assured continued support for current patients. This move is part of a wider trend across the country, with other hospitals like Children’s Hospital Los Angeles closing their programs and Stanford Medicine pausing surgical procedures amid increased federal scrutiny. Various advocacy groups are reportedly preparing litigation in response to these actions, emphasizing the ongoing controversy and community concern surrounding the issue of gender transitions in minors. The discourse surrounding transgender care for minors has become highly polarized, reflecting broader societal debates on gender identity, medical ethics, and the role of government in healthcare. Statements from both supporters and critics of gender-affirming care highlight a significant divide over what is considered best for the youth involved. The hospital's decision is likely to reignite discussions and advocacy efforts on both sides of the debate regarding the appropriateness and impact of such interventions in the evolving landscape of healthcare for minors.