New York AG tells hospitals to continue trans care after Trump’s executive order

On Monday, New York Attorney General Letitia James warned hospitals that halting gender-affirming care for individuals under 19 in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order would constitute a breach of state law.

In her letter, James, a Democrat, informed healthcare facilities that denying these treatments would violate anti-discrimination laws in New York, ‘NBC News’ reports.

“Regardless of the availability of federal funding, we write to further remind you of your obligations to comply with New York State laws,” stated her letter.

Last week, Trump, a Republican, issued an executive order directing federal agencies to ensure that hospitals receiving federal research and education grants “end the chemical and surgical mutilation of children.” The order’s language, including terms like “maiming,” “sterilizing,” and “mutilation,” contrasts with the usual terminology surrounding gender-affirming care in the U.S.A.

James’s letter was released as some hospitals in states like Colorado, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., announced they were temporarily stopping gender-affirming treatments for minors while assessing the order. The White House stated on Monday that the executive order was “already having its intended effect.”

A spokesperson for the Greater New York Hospital Association mentioned they were in close consultation with their member hospitals regarding the executive order on gender-affirming care.

“We are collaboratively working through every aspect of the EO to determine its legal and clinical implications. That work is ongoing,” Brian Conway explained in an email.

Gender-affirming medical care for trans youth is not widespread, yet it remains a contentious political issue. According to a recent study, fewer than 1 in 1,000 adolescents in the U.S.A. with commercial insurance received puberty blockers or hormones over a recent five-year period.