NYU Langone Health has paused its gender medicine program for minors, citing the “current regulatory environment.” The decision impacts access to gender-affirming care for transgender and gender-nonconforming youth, a development that follows earlier restrictions implemented in response to political pressure.
Background: Earlier Restrictions and Executive Orders
The current pause builds upon a series of events beginning in , when a Trump administration executive order directed institutions receiving federal funding to halt gender-affirming treatments for minors. This order specifically targeted hormone replacement therapy, puberty-blocking medication, and surgical interventions. Following the order, NYU Langone Health cancelled appointments for at least two 12-year-old patients scheduled to receive puberty blockers. Families reported being informed that the procedures were cancelled due to the “new administration” and a need for “more guidance.”
At the time, Steve Ritea, a spokesperson for NYU Langone, declined to comment publicly on the specific reasons for the cancellations. However, the executive order stipulated that federal funding would be withheld from institutions offering these treatments, which the White House characterized as “destructive and life-altering” and “chemical and surgical mutilation of children.”
In , NYU Langone faced scrutiny after denying gender-affirming care to these two children. The medical center, previously a leading institution for transgender healthcare, cancelled their appointments. The situation highlighted the growing tension between medical institutions and evolving political landscapes surrounding transgender healthcare.
Financial Implications and Compliance
The potential financial impact of complying with the executive order is significant. In , NYU Langone received over $628 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, representing more than 87% of the university’s federal funding. The medical center also received over $220 million in grants and contributions that year.
The university has consistently emphasized its commitment to legal compliance. In response to a separate matter concerning potential deportations of international students, NYU stated it would “comply with the law,” allowing law enforcement, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), onto campus with proper warrants or subpoenas. A memo to NYU Langone employees also instructed them not to shield patients from ICE, reinforcing a policy of adherence to legal requirements.
Broader Context: NIH Funding and Institutional Responses
The changes at NYU Langone occur alongside other shifts in federal research funding. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is reportedly ending billions of dollars in foreign research grants, a move that could have wider implications for the scientific community. While not directly linked to the gender-affirming care issue, this demonstrates a broader trend of altered funding priorities at the federal level.
NYU’s response to the executive order and subsequent developments reflects a broader pattern of universities navigating complex political and legal challenges. The university’s willingness to comply with directives, even those impacting patient care, underscores the significant influence of federal funding and regulatory oversight on academic medical centers.
What is Gender-Affirming Care?
Gender-affirming care encompasses a range of social, psychological, and medical interventions designed to support individuals in aligning their gender expression with their gender identity. For adolescents, this care often begins with social transition (e.g., using preferred pronouns, clothing) and psychological support. Medical interventions, such as puberty blockers, may be considered to temporarily suppress the development of secondary sex characteristics, providing time for further exploration and decision-making. Hormone therapy can then be initiated to develop desired physical traits. Surgical interventions are generally reserved for adults.
Puberty blockers are fully reversible, meaning that if stopped, the body will resume its natural progression through puberty. Hormone therapy has both reversible and irreversible effects, depending on the duration and dosage. The decision to pursue any of these interventions is made on a case-by-case basis, involving careful evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals and the patient and their family.
Implications for Transgender Youth and Families
The pause in NYU Langone’s gender medicine program creates significant challenges for transgender and gender-nonconforming youth and their families seeking access to specialized care. It may necessitate travel to other states or institutions, potentially creating financial and logistical burdens. Disruptions in care can have negative psychological and emotional consequences for young people undergoing gender transition.
The situation also raises concerns about equitable access to healthcare and the potential for discriminatory practices. The executive order and subsequent institutional responses have been criticized by advocates for transgender rights, who argue that they undermine the well-being of vulnerable populations and interfere with evidence-based medical care.
As of , NYU Langone has not provided a timeline for when the gender medicine program might be reinstated, leaving many families uncertain about the future of their children’s care.
