Democrats need to obey the law.
New York Attorney General and known Trump-hater Letitia James recently issued a stern warning to local hospitals, stating that they risk violating state discrimination laws if they follow the Trump administration’s executive order that seeks to prohibit sex-change procedures for minors. In her letter, James reminded healthcare providers in New York that they are required to comply with state laws that protect individuals from discrimination, including based on sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
James’ letter specifically addressed the issue of “gender-affirming care” for minors, such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy, and emphasized that refusing these services to transgender individuals—while offering them to others—constitutes illegal discrimination under New York law. Her message was clear: healthcare providers must adhere to state mandates, regardless of federal changes.
This move comes as several hospitals across the country are beginning to reconsider their participation in sex-change procedures for minors. The Trump administration’s January 28 executive order aimed at “protecting children from chemical and surgical mutilation” has been a driving force behind these changes. The order threatens to withhold federal funding from any institution that continues to provide sex-change treatments to individuals under 19, including hormone therapy and surgery.
In response to this federal directive, the White House hailed the order as a victory for protecting children from what it called harmful and irreversible treatments. It pointed to hospitals in states like Colorado, Illinois, and Virginia that are now reducing or eliminating transgender programs in line with the new policy. Notably, New York City’s NYU Langone Health has reportedly canceled appointments for minors seeking sex-change procedures, citing the new order.
The ongoing debate over gender-affirming care has sparked intense protests, with activist groups voicing their opposition to the executive order. Despite this, the White House has continued to emphasize the importance of protecting vulnerable children from what it views as radical and unproven medical interventions.