Children’s Hospital Colorado, the largest pediatric specialty facility in the state, has been issued a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice amid an investigation focused on gender-affirming care provided to transgender youth.
This week, the hospital confirmed the receipt of the subpoena but did not disclose its contents or clarify whether it seeks patient records.
In a statement released on Thursday, the hospital indicated that it is working with outside legal counsel to assess how best to respond to the subpoena.
The subpoena follows a report from Fox News, which cited an anonymous source indicating that the DOJ had begun investigations into three children’s hospitals, including Children’s Hospital Colorado, as part of a broader inquiry into gender-affirming surgeries for minors.
The other two hospitals mentioned in the report are Boston Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
The investigation appears to be linked to claims made during the administration of President Donald Trump, suggesting that gender-affirming surgeries for children could face prosecution under federal laws against female genital mutilation (FGM).
Fox’s report highlighted a memo from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, which directed U.S. Attorneys to investigate any suspected cases of FGM, including those marked as gender-affirming care, and to proceed with the fullest extent of prosecution possible.
The federal law against female genital mutilation has been in effect since 1996, primarily aimed at preventing this practice among populations that have immigrated to the United States.
The law provides a detailed definition of what constitutes illegal genital mutilation, while also stating an exemption if a surgery is deemed necessary for the health of the individual undergoing the procedure.
Importantly, gender-affirming surgeries encompass various procedures, many of which do not necessitate alterations to the genitals.
In an earlier statement, Children’s Hospital Colorado maintained that it has never conducted gender-affirming surgeries for patients under 18 and halted such surgeries for patients 18 and older in 2023.
While surgical interventions have ceased, the hospital continues to provide non-surgical care and support for these youth.
The subpoena adds mounting pressure on Children’s and other pediatric hospitals regarding their approach to gender-affirming care.
In May, the hospital was one of nine institutions that received a letter from federal health authorities requesting financial disclosures and additional information on gender-affirming care practices.
Children’s Hospital Colorado complied with the request but did not provide specific details about their response.
Earlier this year, along with Denver Health and UCHealth, Children’s Hospital Colorado temporarily ceased most gender-affirming care for transgender youth after the Trump administration threatened to withdraw federal funding from hospitals providing such services.
That decision was reversed shortly after, when a federal judge blocked the order, allowing care to resume.
Both Children’s Hospital Colorado and Denver Health have clarified that they do not provide gender-affirming surgeries to minors.
Their approach to care focuses on offering hormone therapies, puberty blockers, counseling, and additional supportive services.
UCHealth has modified its age cutoff for providing care, now serving individuals aged 19 and older, having previously restricted services to those 18 and older.
Denver Health confirmed it had not yet been contacted by the DOJ.
Despite the new subpoena, Children’s Hospital Colorado stated there would be no changes to the care they provide.
In their statement, the hospital reiterated the importance of empowering families to make informed decisions regarding their child’s medical needs, emphasizing their commitment to supporting gender-diverse youth through expert medical care.
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