New York Attorney General Letitia James has taken a firm stance to support hospitals in continuing to offer gender-affirming care for those under 19, despite an executive order from President Donald Trump aiming to restrict federal funding for such treatments. Her decisive communication underscores the primacy of New York State’s anti-discrimination laws, emphasizing that compliance is mandatory regardless of federal directives.
In a comprehensive letter, James, a prominent Democratic figure, addressed health care facilities throughout the state. She clarified that the cessation of these critical services would be a breach of state law. Regardless of the availability of federal funding, we write to further remind you of your obligations to comply with New York State laws, declared James in her letter to the health institutions.
The backdrop to this directive is an executive order signed by Trump, which mandates federal agencies to ensure that hospitals eligible for federal research and education grants terminate procedures described as chemical and surgical mutilation of children. The language used in the executive order starkly contrasts with the understanding and practice of gender-affirming care, which is a well-established and supportive measure for transgender youth.
Reactions to the executive order have already prompted some hospitals, particularly in Colorado, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., to temporarily suspend these services, while they reassess their procedures in light of the order. However, New York stands resolutely in opposition to halting such critical care, which is deemed essential by many professionals within the medical community.
Brian Conway, representing the Greater New York Hospital Association, indicated the ongoing collaborative efforts to understand and address the executive order’s implications. We are collaboratively working through every aspect of the EO to determine its legal and clinical implications. That work is ongoing, Conway noted in a recent email statement.
The provision of gender-affirming medical care, particularly for transgender youth, is uncommon yet crucial. A recent study reveals that less than 1 in 1,000 adolescents in the U.S. with commercial insurance have received puberty blockers or hormone treatments over a recent five-year span. Despite its rarity, the subject has attracted significant political debate, turning what is fundamentally a medical decision into a contentious political battleground.
By reinforcing New York's legal framework, Attorney General James reassures that the state's commitment to safeguarding transgender rights remains unwavering. This assurance is crucial for those who depend on gender-affirming treatments, ensuring they remain protected and supported during times of political uncertainty. Hospitals in New York are now in a position where state law prevails and patient care continues to be prioritized.