New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued a warning to hospitals, advising them against complying with President Trump's recent executive order that restricts gender-affirming care for minors. James contends that adhering to the order would constitute a violation of New York state law.
Trump's executive order, "Protecting Children From Chemical And Surgical Mutilation," aims to curb what it describes as "chemical and surgical" sex-change procedures for minors. The order asserts that these interventions are harmful and irreversible.
James argues that denying gender-affirming care contradicts New York's anti-discrimination statutes. In a letter, she emphasized the legal obligation of hospitals to uphold state laws, irrespective of federal funding considerations.
The Greater New York Hospital Association confirmed it is currently reviewing the executive order to assess its legal and clinical ramifications.
Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News Channel senior medical analyst, highlighted that the primary treatments impacted by the order are puberty blockers and sex reassignment surgery for minors. He expressed concerns about potential long-term side effects of puberty blockers, including interference with bone growth, fertility, and cognitive function. Dr. Siegel also emphasized that surgeries like mastectomies are irreversible and should not be performed on children.
Furthermore, Dr. Siegel underscored the significance of mental health support for adolescents experiencing gender confusion and cautioned against irreversible interventions without adequate counseling and consideration of potential external pressures.
Fox News Digital has reached out to both James' office and the White House for further comment.
