A children’s hospital has agreed to stop providing care in Texas after allegedly helping children receive gender transition medication.
Seattle Children’s Hospital is suspected of providing support for gender transitions for minors based in the Lone Star State.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton claimed the procedures violate state law.
The southern state prohibits drug and surgical sex changes for children.
Seattle Children’s Hospital is suspected of providing support for gender transitions for minors based in the Lone Star State
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Paxton said: “Seattle Children’s Hospital appeared to break Texas law and initially tried to evade accountability when investigated.”
He later added: “When we merely began asking questions, they decided to leave the State of Texas and forfeit the opportunity to do business here.
“Let this make our position clear: medical providers in Texas must abide by our laws.
“In Texas, we vigorously protect children from damaging, experimental ‘gender transition’ treatments that can have life-altering negative consequences.”
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks during the annual Conservative Political Action Conference
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Texas' Attorney General also sought records regarding child sex change treatments from the hospital.
Seattle Children’s Hospital subsequently sued Texas in December.
It argued he state’s request should either be invalidated or limited.
“The demands represent an unconstitutional attempt to investigate potential interstate commerce and travel for Texas residents to another state,” Seattle Children’s Hospital said.
Roughly 20 states have passed legislation to ban child sex change surgeries, including Republican areas such as Idaho and Florida.
Trans activists in Texas
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However, there was a row about whether Seattle Children’s Hospital was prevented from providing records of medications given to children living in Texas.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed the law in May 2023 to provide shelter for transgender minors seeking “gender-affirming care” if their parents do not accept them at home.
A Seattle Children’s Hospital spokesperson said: “Protecting the privacy of all Seattle Children’s patients is our top priority.
“The Texas Attorney General rightfully withdrew their request to access confidential patient information.
“This action ensures the private details of our patients’ health care remains solely between patients and families and their provider team.”