Domino effect: Children's Hospital of Richmond in Virginia ends 'gender-affirming care' for minors due to pressure from the Trump administration

The Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) announced this week the suspension of gender affirming care services for minors under the age of 19. This decision reflects the impact of the Trump administration's policies to defund this type of care at hospitals and clinics across the country.

In an official statement, the hospital explained that the move came after "a thoughtful and thorough evaluation" of federal and state directives, concluding that there were "no other viable options at this time."

The decision aligns the hospital with other medical institutions that have faced similar pressures to cease these practices due to changes in the Republican administration's funding policies and regulations by the executive order signed by President Donald Trump.

The cessation of these services will take place over the next 90 days. During that time, the hospital is committed to supporting current patients and their families by facilitating the safe transfer of their care with "compassion and clinical judgment."

The statement stresses that while gender-affirming services for under-19s will end, the hospital will continue to serve all patients and families in other healthcare needs.

Trump's determination

The Trump Administration's determination to limit funding for gender-affirming care has generated a ripple effect in the medical sector, forcing institutions like the Children's Hospital of Richmond to reevaluate their programs. Along those lines, in January, as soon as he took office, President Trump signed an executive order that sought to prohibit hospitals that receive federal grants from offering gender-affirming care to minors.

The Republican administration intends to "protect children from chemical and surgical mutilation."

An investigation into the matter

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Monday a public investigation to assess whether gender-affirming health care providers are violating federal consumer protection laws, with a particular focus on care for minors.

According to a press release from the FTC, the investigation seeks to determine whether these providers have engaged in deceptive trade practices or false advertising by failing to disclose the risks associated with gender-affirming treatments adequately or by making unsubstantiated claims about their benefits or efficacy.

Along those lines, the FTC has opened a 60-day public comment period soliciting responses to four questions related to consumers' experiences with gender-affirming care and the professionals who administer it.