Lurie Children's Hospital has halted its prescription of gender-affirming medications for new patients under the age of 18 following a federal probe by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Office of Inspector General, citing concerns over potential repercussions.
As part of an investigation involving five other hospitals - Nemours Children’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, New York University Langone Health, and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Oregon - Lurie has restricted its treatment to patients older than 18. If a patient had previously received the care at another hospital, Lurie will no longer provide it.
The move comes after General Counsel Mike Stuart announced on social media that an investigation into Lurie was underway. The hospital has long been recognized for one of the oldest and most comprehensive gender-affirming programs in the country.
Lurie's decision to halt treatment is a result of "actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services," according to a statement from hospital spokesperson Julianne Bardele, who cited concerns that the probe would threaten the institution's ability to provide care to all patients.
The move follows a broader trend of hospitals in the Chicago area cutting treatment for thousands of patients due to fear of federal reprisals. Lurie Children's had previously stopped performing gender-affirming surgeries for patients under 19 after President Trump signed several executive orders targeting the care, prompting protests from patients and advocates.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined a group of attorneys general in lawsuits against the administration, alleging that its attacks on gender-affirming care are discriminatory and aimed at excluding transgender individuals. The investigations and proposed cuts to funding for institutions providing such care have sparked widespread concern among medical professionals and advocacy groups.
As part of an investigation involving five other hospitals - Nemours Children’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, New York University Langone Health, and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Oregon - Lurie has restricted its treatment to patients older than 18. If a patient had previously received the care at another hospital, Lurie will no longer provide it.
The move comes after General Counsel Mike Stuart announced on social media that an investigation into Lurie was underway. The hospital has long been recognized for one of the oldest and most comprehensive gender-affirming programs in the country.
Lurie's decision to halt treatment is a result of "actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services," according to a statement from hospital spokesperson Julianne Bardele, who cited concerns that the probe would threaten the institution's ability to provide care to all patients.
The move follows a broader trend of hospitals in the Chicago area cutting treatment for thousands of patients due to fear of federal reprisals. Lurie Children's had previously stopped performing gender-affirming surgeries for patients under 19 after President Trump signed several executive orders targeting the care, prompting protests from patients and advocates.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has joined a group of attorneys general in lawsuits against the administration, alleging that its attacks on gender-affirming care are discriminatory and aimed at excluding transgender individuals. The investigations and proposed cuts to funding for institutions providing such care have sparked widespread concern among medical professionals and advocacy groups.
. I get that hospitals need to be safe and compliant, but this feels like a step back in the fight for trans rights 
. Those meds are life-changing for some kids who just wanna feel like themselves, you know? And now they're gonna have to go elsewhere if they need that kind of care? It's like, what even is the goal here? Are we trying to hurt these kids instead of helping them? I'm not sure I trust the government to be on our side when it comes to healthcare 
.
who r gonna be denied the meds they need just cuz some gov agency is breathing down hospitals necks!!! i mean, what's next? are we gonna take away healthcare from ppl who cant fight for themselves?? 
its like, whats the logic behind this?? hospitals r supposed 2 b places of care not fear-mongering grounds 
i hope those lil kids can find help elsewhere 
... and its not like they were doing anything wrong, they're just trying to live their lives and find themselves. this is so unfair 
.
... i mean, you'd think hospitals are supposed to provide care regardless of politics or something 
. it's like they're just waiting for permission from the gov't before doing their jobs. the thing is, patients under 18 can't even make their own decisions about hormone treatments 
. it feels like they're putting more pressure on these young people who already need support and guidance. i get that hospitals have to follow rules, but shouldn't there be some flexibility for vulnerable populations? 
- was it always planned or did something else trigger it? And what's up with the other hospitals cutting treatment too? 
.
We need more compassion and understanding from our government officials, not less 
. Illinois AG Kwame Raoul is like, totally on the right track with his lawsuits against the admin 
. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that justice will prevail soon 