A growing number of hospitals across the United States have reportedly stopped providing gender-affirming surgeries to minors following statements from the federal government regarding funding conditions.
The development comes after President Donald Trump issued warnings that federal funding could be withheld from institutions performing such procedures on children.
Sources indicate that the announcements prompted several healthcare providers to reassess their policies and suspend these surgeries for minors.
The list of hospitals affected spans multiple states, although the precise number and locations have not been independently confirmed.
Healthcare advocacy groups have expressed concern over the sudden policy changes, citing potential impacts on transgender youth who seek medical interventions as part of gender-affirming care.
Political reactions have been swift. Supporters of the move argue that it protects minors from undergoing irreversible medical procedures at a young age, while critics say the decision could limit access to necessary healthcare for transgender adolescents.
Experts in pediatric medicine and health policy note that the decision highlights the complex balance between federal funding priorities, medical ethics, and state-level healthcare regulations.
Dr. Samantha Lee, a pediatric endocrinologist, said, “Policy changes like this can have profound effects on care access, mental health, and overall well-being of transgender youth. Families and providers now face uncertainty about treatment options.”
Legal scholars also warn that hospitals and federal authorities could face challenges over the interpretation of funding conditions, as well as potential conflicts with state laws protecting minors’ access to healthcare.
The White House has not issued a formal statement confirming the full scope of the policy, and federal health agencies have yet to provide guidance on compliance for hospitals performing gender-affirming procedures.
This decision is expected to trigger further debates among lawmakers, medical professionals, and advocacy groups about the rights of minors, the role of federal oversight in healthcare, and the ethical implications of restricting access to gender-affirming medical care.