NYU Langone Health Ends Transgender Youth Program Amid Federal Pressure
NYU Langone Ends Transgender Youth Program Amid Federal Pressure

NYU Langone Health Discontinues Transgender Youth Program in Manhattan

NYU Langone Health, a prominent hospital network in New York City, has announced this week that it will shut down its gender-affirming care program for minors. This decision comes as the Trump administration intensifies threats to withdraw federal funding from healthcare providers that offer treatment to transgender youth.

Regulatory Environment and Medical Director Departure Cited

In a statement provided to the Guardian, spokesperson Steve Ritea explained the hospital's reasoning. "Given the recent departure of our medical director, coupled with the current regulatory environment, we made the difficult decision to discontinue our Transgender Youth Health Program," Ritea said. He emphasized that the hospital's pediatric mental health services will continue to operate, but the specialized program for transgender minors will cease.

The move follows months of sustained pressure from the federal government. Shortly after returning to office, President Trump signed an executive order declaring that the federal government will not "fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called 'transition' of a child from one sex to another." This directive has created a challenging landscape for hospitals providing gender-affirming care to young patients.

Legal Battles and State Intervention

NYU Langone reportedly began cancelling appointments for minors soon after the executive order was issued. This prompted intervention from New York Attorney General Letitia James, who directed the hospital to resume care. James warned that the network risked violating state anti-discrimination laws by discontinuing the program. A federal judge later issued a temporary restraining order blocking the administration's directive from taking effect, providing temporary relief for providers.

However, in December, the Department of Health and Human Services proposed a new rule that would withhold Medicare and Medicaid funding from hospitals providing "sex-rejecting procedures for children under 18." This regulatory threat has created significant uncertainty for healthcare institutions across the country.

Medical Community Support and Patient Concerns

Gender-affirming care is endorsed by major US and international medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics. Medical professionals emphasize that treatments such as puberty blockers are reversible, and surgery for minors is exceptionally rare. Care plans typically follow extensive evaluations and involve families throughout the process, ensuring appropriate medical oversight.

Local officials and advocacy groups have strongly condemned NYU Langone's decision. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal argued that the closure would "jeopardize the lives and well-being of their patients." He highlighted research showing that ending gender-affirming care after it has begun without patient consent can carry significant physical and mental health risks. "For these young patients, gender-affirming care is life-affirming care," Hoylman-Sigal stated.

National Trend and Community Response

According to STAT News, approximately 40 hospitals across the United States have paused or ceased offering some type of gender-affirming care to young people since Trump returned to office. This represents a significant shift in healthcare accessibility for transgender youth nationwide.

In response to NYU Langone's announcement, community organizers have planned a rally in support of trans youth for Wednesday evening outside the Stonewall National Monument in Manhattan. The event aims to draw attention to the importance of maintaining access to gender-affirming healthcare services.

The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding NYU Langone's decision or the broader implications for transgender healthcare access. As the regulatory environment continues to evolve, healthcare providers face difficult choices between maintaining federal funding and providing medically recommended care to vulnerable patient populations.