Children’s Hospital Colorado, the largest pediatric specialty hospital in the state, has received a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) amid an investigation into gender-affirming care for transgender youth.
The subpoena was received this week, although the hospital did not disclose its contents or clarify whether it seeks patient records.
In a statement, the hospital indicated that they are engaging outside counsel to assess the subpoena and determine an appropriate response.
This development follows a report by Fox News, which, citing an anonymous source, noted that the DOJ had initiated investigations into gender-affirming care practices at three children’s hospitals, including Children’s Hospital Colorado, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
The investigation is said to focus on gender-affirming surgeries for minors, which have drawn scrutiny under a controversial directive advanced during the administration of President Donald Trump.
Specifically, the DOJ inquiry may explore the application of federal laws prohibiting female genital mutilation (FGM) concerning medical providers who offer gender-affirming surgeries to minors.
According to a memo issued earlier this year by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, federal prosecutors were instructed to thoroughly investigate suspected instances of FGM, including those described as gender-affirming care, with the intention of prosecuting FGM offenses to the fullest extent of the law.
The federal statute banning female genital mutilation has its roots in 1996 legislation, primarily addressing the practice among immigrants entering the United States.
The law delineates what constitutes illegal genital mutilation and includes exemptions for surgeries deemed necessary for the health of the individual involved.
Importantly, gender-affirming surgeries encompass a variety of procedures, many of which do not involve alteration of the genitals.
In a recent statement to The Sun, Children’s Hospital Colorado clarified that it has never performed gender-affirming surgeries on patients under the age of 18.
Furthermore, the hospital indicated that it ceased offering such surgeries to patients aged 18 and older in 2023, yet continues to provide non-surgical supportive care.
The subpoena comes as Children’s and similar hospitals face mounting pressure regarding their practices related to gender-affirming care.
In May, Children’s was among nine hospitals that received a letter from federal health authorities requesting financial details and additional information linked to their gender-affirming care services.
The hospital confirmed it had responded to that inquiry but did not provide further specifics.
Earlier this year, Children’s Hospital Colorado, along with other local health systems—Denver Health and UCHealth—halted most gender-affirming care for transgender youth after the Trump administration threatened to withdraw federal funding from facilities that offered such care.
However, following a federal judge’s decision to block the order, both Children’s and Denver Health reinstated their care in February.
It is noteworthy that, like Children’s, Denver Health does not provide gender-affirming surgical options for youth, focusing instead on hormone therapies, puberty blockers, counseling, and supportive treatments.
UCHealth has adjusted its age limitation for care from 18 and older to 19 and older, having historically only offered services to adults.
As of now, Denver Health has indicated it has not been contacted by the DOJ regarding this matter.
In their official statement, Children’s Hospital Colorado expressed a belief in the importance of providing families with access to expert medical care to support their children’s well-being, including that of gender-diverse youth.
They emphasized that there will be no changes to their care model in light of the subpoena, reiterating their commitment to patient-centered care.
image source from：coloradosun
