Two of the nation’s largest hospital networks have reached settlements with the U.S. Department of Justice, agreeing to pay a combined $9.5 million to resolve allegations that they billed for pediatric gender treatments provided to minors. New York University Langone Health will pay $8.5 million, while the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) will contribute $950,000.
Agreements end treatment for minors
Both institutions said the settlements require them to cease offering puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgical procedures to patients under the age of 18. The hospitals emphasized that the agreements protect the confidentiality of patients, legal guardians and providers whose privacy was threatened by grand‑jury subpoenas issued during the investigation.
NYU Langone noted that it had already discontinued its pediatric gender‑care program in February, citing the “current regulatory environment.” UPMC did not comment on the status of its own program for transgender youth.
Administration’s policy push
The settlements are part of a broader effort by President Trump and his administration to end pediatric gender‑affirming medical interventions. Over the past months, the Justice Department and the Department of Health and Human Services have launched dozens of investigations alleging that hospitals fraudulently billed for such care under false disorder diagnoses.
President Trump’s administration recently finalized a rule barring two major federal health programs from covering pediatric gender treatments, reinforcing the federal stance that children should not be subjected to irreversible medical decisions before reaching adulthood.
Hospital statements
NYU Langone said, “We believe this resolution is in the best interests of our patients and their families, protecting them as well as our providers and the institution from prolonged litigation.” UPMC expressed a similar rationale, emphasizing the desire to avoid costly legal battles while continuing to serve adult patients.
Both hospitals clarified that the settlements include explicit denials of any wrongdoing or liability. Pediatric mental‑health programs and gender‑affirming care for patients 18 and older will continue under existing protocols.
Broader context
Medical and mental‑health professionals widely agree that pediatric gender‑affirming care can reduce depression and suicide risk among transgender youth. Critics, however, argue that the long‑term effects of such treatments remain uncertain and that minors are too young to make life‑altering decisions, even with parental involvement.
The Justice Department indicated that similar agreements have been reached with Mount Sinai Health System, Texas Children’s Hospital, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Connecticut Children’s Hospital. All parties have agreed to keep the precise terms of the settlements confidential.
What this means for families
For families seeking medical care for their children, the settlements signal a clear federal direction: pediatric gender treatments will no longer be reimbursed through federal or private insurance when provided to minors. Parents can expect hospitals to focus on mental‑health support and to defer any irreversible medical interventions until a patient reaches adulthood.
As the Trump administration continues to prioritize the protection of children and the integrity of federal health‑care spending, these settlements reinforce a national policy that aligns with the values of faith‑based families and advocates for parental rights.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
