NYU Langone Ends Transgender Treatment Program for Minors Amid Federal Funding Threats

NYU Langone Health, one of New York City's major hospital networks, has announced the discontinuation of its Transgender Youth Health Program, which provided gender-affirming care to minors. The decision, made public this week, comes amid escalating threats from the Trump administration to strip federal funding from providers that treat trans youth.

According to a statement from NYU Langone spokesperson Steve Ritea, the hospital's decision was influenced by the recent departure of its medical director, as well as the current regulatory environment. "Given the recent departure of our medical director, coupled with the current regulatory environment, we made the difficult decision to discontinue our Transgender Youth Health Program," Ritea said.

The Trump administration has been vocal in its opposition to gender-affirming care for minors, with officials arguing that such treatments are not in the best interests of children. In response, the administration has threatened to cut funding to providers that offer these services. The move has been widely criticized by LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and medical professionals, who argue that gender-affirming care is a vital and evidence-based treatment for trans youth.

NYU Langone's decision to end its Transgender Youth Health Program is likely to have significant implications for trans youth in New York City, who may now face reduced access to gender-affirming care. The hospital's pediatric mental health services will continue, but it is unclear whether these services will be able to meet the specific needs of trans youth.

The discontinuation of the program has been met with widespread criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. "This decision is a devastating blow to trans youth in New York City, who already face significant barriers to accessing healthcare," said a spokesperson for the LGBTQ+ advocacy group, GLAAD. "We urge NYU Langone to reconsider its decision and to prioritize the needs of its trans patients."

Medical professionals have also expressed concern about the implications of NYU Langone's decision. "Gender-affirming care is a vital and evidence-based treatment for trans youth," said Dr. Rachel Levine, a pediatrician and expert in transgender health. "The decision to end this program will likely have serious consequences for the health and wellbeing of trans youth in New York City."

The Trump administration's threats to cut funding to providers that treat trans youth have been widely criticized by medical professionals and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. In a statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) said, "The AAP strongly opposes any efforts to restrict access to evidence-based care for trans youth. Gender-affirming care is a vital and essential treatment for trans youth, and it is imperative that all youth have access to this care, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status."

As the debate over gender-affirming care for minors continues, NYU Langone's decision to end its Transgender Youth Health Program serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by trans youth in accessing healthcare. While the hospital's pediatric mental health services will continue, it is unclear whether these services will be able to meet the specific needs of trans youth. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential that medical professionals, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, and policymakers prioritize the needs of trans youth and work to ensure that they have access to the care they need to thrive.