VCU Hospital Halts Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

Transgender flag waving in a crowded street

Virginia’s top children’s hospital halts gender-affirming care for minors, igniting nationwide debate.

Story Highlights

VCU Hospital stops gender-affirming care for minors under federal pressure.
Trump’s executive order bans federal support for gender-affirming care.
Legal challenges from advocacy groups are underway.
Hospital cites no viable options due to federal directives.

VCU Hospital’s Decision to Cease Services

The Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU has announced it will stop providing gender-affirming care for minors under 19. This decision, effective July 29, 2025, comes in response to federal and state directives, particularly an executive order from President Trump. The hospital stated they had “no other viable options” amid increasing legal pressures and the risk of losing federal support, reflecting a broader trend seen across the nation.

The executive order, issued on January 28, 2025, explicitly bans federal funding for gender-affirming care for minors, framing this policy as a protective measure for children. This has resulted in significant disruption for hospitals like VCU, which had temporarily resumed some medical services for existing patients in February 2025, only to face further legal scrutiny in July with DOJ subpoenas.

Legal and Advocacy Responses

In the wake of these changes, advocacy groups and families are mounting legal challenges against the Trump administration. The ACLU, representing affected families, argues that the executive order denies necessary medical care and increases risks for transgender youth. Despite these efforts, the federal directives have significantly curtailed hospital autonomy, forcing institutions like VCU to comply against their previous practices.

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares communicated the necessity of compliance to the hospital, highlighting the complex legal landscape hospitals must navigate. Advocacy groups, such as He She Ze and We, express deep concern for the well-being of transgender youth, emphasizing the psychological impacts of such abrupt policy shifts.

Implications and Future Considerations

The cessation of services at VCU exemplifies the immediate and far-reaching consequences of federal policies on healthcare institutions. The hospital is currently assisting patients in transitioning their care over a 90-day period. This move has sparked increased political activism and legal action, with families and advocacy organizations actively challenging these restrictive policies.

As the debate over gender-affirming care continues, the situation at VCU highlights the broader national tension between governmental directives and healthcare providers’ ability to serve their patients. This case underscores the ongoing polarization over transgender rights, healthcare policy, and the role of government in medical decisions.