The Trump administration has taken decisive action to protect American children by reaching settlements with six leading hospitals that had been offering pediatric gender treatments. Under the agreements, the hospitals will no longer provide puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or gender‑affirming surgery to patients under 19 and will make payments to the federal government to help cover the cost of any detransition care.
Key settlements and payments
Last week the Justice Department announced settlements with New York University Langone Health and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. NYU agreed to pay $8.5 million, while UPMC will contribute $950,000. Similar deals have been reached since May with Cleveland Clinic, Connecticut Children’s Hospital, Mount Sinai Health System in New York, and Texas Children’s Hospital.
Administration’s rationale
U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche praised the agreements, stating the Justice Department is “fighting to protect our nation’s children and working tirelessly to reach agreements with hospitals to end so‑called ‘gender‑affirming care’ for minors.” The administration’s position aligns with the executive order signed in January 2025 that called for cutting federal support for gender transitions for anyone under 19 and barred Medicaid from covering such procedures.
Legal backdrop
The settlements also end ongoing investigations into past care and prevent hospitals from being forced to turn over patient records. A recent 2‑1 ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the administration’s authority to issue subpoenas seeking information on pediatric gender treatments, finding the goal of ending such care for youth is not improper.
Response from critics
Critics, including the Gender Liberation Movement—a group advocating for expanded gender‑affirming services—argued that the settlements set a dangerous precedent by allowing the federal government to intervene in medical decisions. Eliel Cruz, a co‑founder of the movement, called the action “politicizing care.” However, the administration’s response makes clear that the intent is to safeguard children’s health, not to target any particular ideology.
Medical community perspective
While most major medical organizations, such as the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, continue to support the availability of pediatric gender treatments, the settlements do not affect the hospitals’ broader pediatric mental‑health programs. Those programs will continue to serve transgender children with counseling and support services.
Impact on families
Some families have already relocated to states without bans in search of care, only to find providers have also ceased offering these treatments. The administration’s agreements aim to provide clarity and protect families from abrupt policy changes, ensuring that any necessary detransition care is financially supported.
State context
At least 27 states have enacted laws restricting or prohibiting pediatric gender treatments for minors. More than two dozen hospitals in states without such bans have voluntarily stopped offering the care since last year, reflecting a broader national trend toward protecting children from irreversible medical interventions.
Overall, the Trump administration’s coordinated effort with the Justice Department demonstrates a firm commitment to child protection, parental rights, and responsible medical practice across the nation.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
