Consumers’ Research, a nonprofit watchdog group, is calling for the end of federal funding to U.S. hospitals promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), gender transition procedures on minors, and climate activism, accusing them of diverting taxpayer dollars away from essential patient care. In a newly released “Consumer Warning” report, the group singles out five hospital systems: Cleveland Clinic, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Henry Ford Health, Memorial Hermann Health System, and Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
The report alleges these hospitals use millions in federal funding and tax-exempt status to support progressive political agendas. Consumers’ Research executive director Will Hild argued the funds should go toward reducing costs and improving healthcare, not advancing what he called “radical gender ideology” or “climate politics.”
“Hospitals should be focused on providing high-quality care at affordable costs, not peddling a woke agenda,” Hild said. “Until then, their federal funding should be investigated to ensure taxpayers are not footing the bill for a political agenda.”
Cleveland Clinic reportedly committed $7 million annually to environmental initiatives, performed gender procedures on minors, and opposed Ohio’s 2023 ban on such surgeries. The hospital denied the report’s findings, saying it complies with all laws and does not promote any political agenda.
Vanderbilt was cited for conducting “big money maker” gender surgeries on minors before Tennessee outlawed the practice. Henry Ford Health continues offering gender care to minors and maintains DEI training programs. Memorial Hermann emphasized “health equity” and, according to the report, performed 15 sex-change surgeries on minors. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital prescribes puberty blockers and hormone therapy to children and strongly supports DEI.
In addition to social activism concerns, the report accused all five hospital systems of failing to comply with federal price transparency laws, a requirement to disclose full service prices to patients.
To combat what it sees as ideological overreach, Consumers’ Research is campaigning nationwide through mobile billboards, public letters to President Donald Trump, Congress, and state governors, demanding accountability and defunding of these institutions.
