Letitia James Warns New York Hospitals Over Donald Trump Order
Donald Trump, which aims to curtail federal funding for gender-affirming care for young people, would violate state law.Newsweek reached out to the Greater New York Hospital Association, the Healthcare Association of New York State, and the White House for comment.Last week, President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing agencies to ensure that hospitals receiving federal research and education grants "end the chemical and surgical mutilation of children." The order's language, using terms such as "maiming," "sterilizing," and "mutilation," contrasts with typical terminologies used for gender-affirming care in the United States.While gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth is relatively uncommon, it has been the focus of intense political debate.In a letter, James reminded health care facilities that refusing to provide these treatments would breach New York's anti-discrimination laws."Regardless of the availability of federal funding, we write to further remind you of your obligations to comply with New York State laws," James said.James' statement came as some hospitals in Colorado, Virginia and Washington, D.C., announced they were halting gender-affirming treatments for young people while administrators review the order.Gender-affirming care encompasses a range of interventions from social, psychological, behavioral and medical backgrounds to support a person's identity.
This can include hormone therapy and potentially surgery. The care is often considered lifesaving for many transgender youth, as research indicates that transgender youths and adults are at higher risk of suicidal behavior.Fewer than one in 1,000 adolescents in the U.S.
with commercial insurance received puberty blockers or hormones from 2018 to 2022, according to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics on January 7.The study did not look at surgeries among transgender adolescents.Trump's executive order, "Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation," directs.
