New York Attorney General Letitia James is demanding that a major Manhattan hospital restore gender-affirming medical services for transgender youth after the hospital abruptly halted the program earlier this year.
In a letter sent to NYU Langone Health, James warned that the hospital’s decision to stop providing certain treatments to patients under 19 could violate New York’s anti-discrimination laws and threaten the health of vulnerable young people.
The hospital recently shut down its Transgender Youth Health Program, which had provided services including hormone therapy and puberty blockers. According to the hospital, the program ended because of what it described as a challenging regulatory environment and the departure of a medical director.
James’ office argues the move may unlawfully deny medically necessary care to transgender patients. In the letter, state officials said the decision to discontinue treatment could jeopardize access to essential healthcare for some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.
Federal Policy Pressure
The hospital’s decision comes as healthcare providers across the United States face growing political pressure surrounding gender-affirming care for minors.
Recent proposals from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have threatened to cut Medicare and Medicaid funding to hospitals that provide certain gender-affirming treatments to patients under 18. These federal actions have created uncertainty for medical institutions and providers.
However, the New York attorney general’s office emphasized that federal pressure does not change state law. New York’s anti-discrimination protections include gender identity, meaning hospitals operating in the state must continue providing care without discriminating against transgender patients.
Officials also warned that abruptly stopping gender-affirming care can create serious health risks for young patients who are already undergoing treatment. Interrupting hormone therapy or related medical care can disrupt treatment plans and force families to seek providers far from home.
Deadline From the Attorney General
James’ office has given NYU Langone until March 11 to explain how it will restore access to gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth. If the hospital fails to comply, the state could pursue further legal action.
A spokesperson for NYU Langone has not publicly commented on the attorney general’s letter. The hospital previously stated that although the transgender youth program had been discontinued, pediatric mental health services would still remain available.
The Bottom Line
The dispute highlights the broader national debate surrounding transgender healthcare.
Across the country, hospitals, lawmakers, and courts are increasingly confronting policies that affect gender-affirming treatment for minors. Some states have moved to protect access to care, while others have passed restrictions that limit or ban treatments.
Advocates say that removing access to gender-affirming healthcare can cause significant harm to transgender youth and their families. Medical organizations have repeatedly stated that gender-affirming care, when provided under established medical guidelines, can improve mental health outcomes and overall well-being.
For now, New York officials say hospitals in the state must follow existing civil rights laws regardless of political pressure elsewhere. Whether NYU Langone will restore its program before the state’s deadline remains uncertain.
