A New York City hospital has ended a health program serving transgender teenagers, citing federal funding threats tied to gender-affirming care for minors. This week, NYU Langone Health announced the closure of its Transgender Youth Health Program. The decision follows President Donald Trump’s December threat to revoke federal funding from hospitals providing gender-affirming care to youth, including puberty blockers and, in rare cases, surgery. Trump’s proposal included revoking Medicare and Medicaid funds.
A spokesperson told The Guardian that funding concerns, along with the recent departure of a medical director, contributed to the move. The closure leaves patients without a specialized source of care that many medical associations describe as medically necessary. The New York City Commission on Human Rights said it was “deeply troubled” by the decision.
Commissioner Christine Clarke stated, “Decisions about health care should be guided by health needs, not political pressure,” adding that the loss places trans people and their families in a vulnerable position. Amida Care warned that uncertainty could limit access to treatment.
