New York AG Letitia James Urges Hospitals to Defy Trump’s Executive Order on Minors’ Gender Procedures

New York AG Letitia James Urges Hospitals to Defy Trump’s Executive Order on Minors’ Gender Procedures

New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued a strong warning to hospitals, advising them to disregard President Donald Trump’s recent executive order aimed at prohibiting sex-change procedures for minors. James argues that compliance with this directive would contravene existing state laws that protect gender-affirming care.

Trump’s Executive Order: A Controversial Directive

Last week, Trump signed an executive order titled “Protecting Children From Chemical And Surgical Mutilation.” This order seeks to impose restrictions on what Trump describes as “chemical and surgical” sex-change procedures for minors. In the order, he states that across the nation, medical professionals are engaging in irreversible interventions that dangerously alter the lives of impressionable children.

In his declaration, Trump asserts, “This dangerous trend will be a stain on our Nation’s history, and it must end.” Furthermore, the directive emphasizes that the federal government will neither fund nor support such medical transitions.

Compliance with State Law

In her letter to hospitals, AG James clarified that the refusal to provide gender-affirming treatment would violate anti-discrimination laws in New York. She emphasized the legal responsibilities that hospitals hold under state law, stating, “Regardless of the availability of federal funding, we write to further remind you of your obligations to comply with New York State laws.” This puts hospitals in a challenging position, balancing state law with federal directives.

Hospital Associations Consider Their Path Forward

A spokesperson for the Greater New York Hospital Association has indicated that discussions are ongoing about the implications of Trump’s executive order. In an email to the Associated Press, spokesperson Brian Conway stated, “We are collaboratively working through every aspect of the EO to determine its legal and clinical implications. That work is ongoing.” This highlights the uncertain landscape hospitals may face as they navigate conflicting mandates.

Expert Opinions on the Directive

Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst for Fox News, has weighed in on the Trump administration’s approach to gender-affirming care for minors. He addressed key treatments that could be affected by the executive order, notably puberty blockers and sex reassignment surgery. Siegel expressed concern over the potential health risks associated with these interventions.

He noted, “Puberty blockers, the main one is Lupron, which we use for prostate cancer, enough said. I mean, it interferes with bone growth, it can potentially interfere with fertility if it’s combined with hormones, and it can interfere with thinking and cognition.” Siegel stressed that these interventions often have long-term consequences.

The Importance of Mental Health Considerations

The physician also emphasized the criticality of mental health treatment for teenagers experiencing gender dysphoria. He poses essential questions: “Did they get enough mental health counseling? Did they get a chance to develop? Are they being pressured politically by somebody in society, their parents?” These considerations are crucial in making informed decisions regarding medical interventions that may lead to irreversible changes.

Future Implications

The ongoing debate surrounding gender-affirming procedures for minors raises significant concerns about the balance between federal and state laws, as well as the implications for the medical community. Hospitals must navigate these complexities carefully as they determine their policies moving forward.

Fox News Digital has reached out to AG James’ office and the White House for further comments regarding the executive order and its expected impact on medical practices.

The Associated Press and Fox News Digital’s Kendall Tietz contributed to this report.