Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC, announced this week it will discontinue prescribing gender-affirming medications to minors under its “Gender Development Program.” The hospital cited “escalating legal and regulatory risks” as the primary reason, and said the new policy takes effect August 30, 2025.
A message posted on the hospital’s website reassured families that while prescriptions will end, mental health and support services for LGBT youth will continue. “You are always welcome at Children’s National for your other medical needs,” the message affirmed, acknowledging the policy change’s impact. Hospital staff are working directly with families currently receiving care to ensure continuity.
The decision follows January’s executive order by President Trump titled Protecting Children From Chemical and Surgical Mutilation, which mandates that federal agencies avoid funding, promoting, or facilitating gender transition procedures for minors. The order cites concerns over irreversible interventions and a lack of scientific consensus on medical necessity for youth.
Two weeks ago, the Trump Justice Department also revealed it issued subpoenas to over 20 healthcare providers believed to offer transgender interventions to minors, which opponents refer to as “gender-affirming care.” Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, “Medical professionals and organizations that mutilated children in the service of a warped ideology will be held accountable.”
Although Children’s National has not confirmed whether it was among the subpoenaed entities, the hospital emphasized that it remains committed to caring for LGBT patients—minus gender-transitioning medications. This move aligns the hospital’s practices with evolving federal policy and mounting legal pressures surrounding youth gender treatments.
The shift reflects a broader conservative and faith-based concern that minors should not be subjected to life-altering medical interventions without full understanding or consensus.
