The DOJ has issued subpoenas to over 20 doctors and clinics involved in transgender medical procedures for minors, amid ongoing political and legal debates over the safety and ethics of such care, with the FTC also scrutinizing gender-affirming treatments through a controversial workshop. The actions reflect a broader effort by some political figures to restrict access to transgender healthcare for minors, despite support from major medical organizations.
The U.S. Department of Justice has issued over 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics involved in transgender medical procedures for minors, amid ongoing political and legal debates over the safety and ethics of such treatments, with the FTC also scrutinizing gender-affirming care through a controversial workshop.
The U.S. Justice Department has issued subpoenas to over 20 healthcare providers offering gender-related treatments to minors, as part of an investigation that critics say is politically motivated to restrict transgender healthcare, potentially threatening the confidentiality of patient records and leading to clinic closures.
The article discusses unexpected physiological changes experienced by trans women on feminizing hormone therapy, including temperature sensitivity, reduced vein visibility, urinary incontinence, and altered disease risk profiles, highlighting the complex and varied effects of sex hormones on the body.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed an $895 billion defense policy bill despite significant Democratic opposition due to a provision restricting gender-affirming medical care for transgender children. The bill, which passed with a 281-140 vote, includes a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops and other military benefits. The controversial provision, pushed by Speaker Mike Johnson, prohibits the military's Tricare health system from covering certain gender dysphoria treatments for minors. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it is expected to pass despite the contentious issue.
Following Trump's election victory, there has been a significant surge in demand for abortion pills and emergency contraception, as well as concerns over access to transgender healthcare. Organizations like Aid Access and telehealth services have reported unprecedented requests for reproductive and gender-affirming medications, as people fear potential restrictions under a Trump administration. Providers are advising patients to stockpile medications and remain vigilant, while continuing to offer services as long as legally possible.
NHS England has announced that children with gender dysphoria will no longer be prescribed puberty blockers due to insufficient evidence of their safety and clinical effectiveness. The decision follows a public consultation and review of available evidence, with new regional services for under-18s with gender dysphoria set to open next month without the use of puberty blockers, except for those participating in clinical trials. The move has been welcomed by the government but has raised concerns from LGBTQ+ rights groups and praise from organizations advocating evidence-based policymaking in gender identity services.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has requested medical records from a Georgia telehealth clinic, QueerMed, that provides gender-affirming care for transgender youths, as part of his wider probe into transgender healthcare. This move shows Paxton's efforts to curb access to gender-affirming care, as he has also sought records from a Seattle hospital. The clinic's founder, Izzy Lowell, has vowed not to turn over HIPAA-protected patient information and criticized the request as an attempt to intimidate providers and families seeking care outside of Texas. This comes amid a wave of Republican-led legislation restricting medical care for transgender youths, despite opposition from major medical organizations.
The article recounts the personal journey of a transgender individual navigating the complex healthcare system to undergo top surgery with a family history of breast cancer. Despite having good health insurance, the process was fraught with bureaucratic hurdles, including insurance denials for necessary pre-surgery screenings and the challenge of finding trans-friendly healthcare providers. The author emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in the healthcare system, especially for transgender individuals who may face additional risks and barriers to accessing appropriate care. The story highlights the intersection of transgender healthcare, cancer risk, and the often exhausting process of dealing with insurance companies and medical providers to ensure necessary and life-affirming treatments are received.
Seattle Children's Hospital has filed a lawsuit against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton after he attempted to obtain information about gender-affirming treatment received by Texas youths at the hospital. The hospital argues that Paxton's demands are outside his jurisdiction and constitute "sham requests." Conservative lawmakers in Texas have been pushing to restrict gender-affirming care, and Paxton has been at the forefront of these efforts. Seattle Children's Hospital contends that the requested information is protected under HIPAA and Washington state privacy laws. If Paxton's actions are upheld, it could set a precedent for other states to burden providers of gender-affirming care.
Seattle Children's Hospital has filed a lawsuit against the Texas Office of the Attorney General to block the release of patient information after receiving a subpoena demanding records of Texas residents who have received transition-related care. The hospital argues that producing the information would violate federal and state health care privacy laws and that the Texas attorney general's office does not have jurisdiction over the Washington-based hospital system. The hospital also highlights Washington's "Shield Law" and asserts that the demands are an unconstitutional attempt to investigate and restrict potential travel by Texas residents seeking healthcare in another state. The attorney general's office has not responded to questions about the subpoena and lawsuit.
Three transgender youths, their parents, and a doctor in Tennessee have petitioned the Supreme Court to block the state's ban on certain transition-related healthcare for minors. This would be the first time the court considers a restriction on puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgery for minors. The plaintiffs argue that the ban violates the 14th Amendment's equal protection and due process clauses, as it discriminates against transgender youths and infringes on parents' rights. Civil rights groups have requested the Supreme Court's intervention due to conflicting rulings in circuit courts, causing uncertainty and chaos surrounding medical care for trans youths. While access to gender-affirming care is widely supported within the medical community, several states have implemented or attempted to implement restrictions. The Supreme Court's recent decision on abortion rights may impact the outcome of this case.
A federal judge in Oklahoma has declined to halt a new law that criminalizes health care workers providing gender-affirming care to young transgender individuals. The law, passed by Oklahoma's Republican-controlled Legislature, bans medical treatments like puberty-blocking drugs or hormones for those under 18. The judge ruled that the plaintiffs had not demonstrated a fundamental right for parents to choose such medical care for their children. The decision has been criticized by advocacy groups, who vow to appeal. Similar lawsuits are ongoing in other states that have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors.
Missouri's Attorney General has filed a counter lawsuit against Southampton Community Healthcare, a clinic that challenged new state restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender minors. The lawsuit accuses the clinic of failing to provide proper care, citing the clinic's admission that they did not conduct comprehensive mental health evaluations for their patients. If successful, the clinic could be ordered to pay fines and restitution. The new law in Missouri bans puberty blockers, hormones, and gender-affirming surgery for minors, leading to the cessation of such treatments at major medical centers. Critics argue that detransitioning is not as common as opponents claim.
Families with transgender children in states with laws restricting or banning gender-affirming care are increasingly forced to travel out of state to access the necessary healthcare. At least 20 states have enacted such laws, which have been met with legal challenges. Opponents argue that there is no solid proof of the benefits of gender-affirming care and that children should not make life-altering decisions. However, advocates and impacted families argue that this care is vital for trans kids. Families in Indiana and Mississippi, among other states, are seeking out-of-state medical care to support their children's well-being.
