Mount Sinai to stop gender-affirming care for minors in DOJ settlement

Mount Sinai Health System has reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services to cease providing gender-affirming medical care to minors. The agreement follows federal pressure and investigations regarding puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and other transition-related services.

Under the terms of the settlement, Mount Sinai will pay an unspecified monetary penalty and dedicate $2 million toward providing free medical care for individuals who report suffering harmful consequences from gender-affirming treatments received during childhood. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated the DOJ is committed to holding providers accountable for practices that endanger children.

Mount Sinai has denied any wrongdoing, stating the settlement was intended to protect patient medical records. The hospital noted it had been subpoenaed by a grand jury in the Northern District of Texas to produce records of patients who received gender-affirming care. A spokesperson indicated that continuing the legal fight could have ultimately resulted in the forced disclosure of sensitive medical information.