VCU Health suspends gender-affirming care for those 18 and younger
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health and the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU have suspended gender-affirming care for patients under 19 years old in the wake of President Donald Trump's executive order that cuts federal funding for such care. The following statement can be found on the Children's Hospital's webpage on transgender services as of Thursday, Jan. 30: "VCU Health and Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU have suspended gender-affirming medication and gender-affirming surgical procedures for those under 19 years old in response to clear guidance from the state provided to VCU. We are committed to ensuring that we’re always delivering care in accordance with the law. Appointments will be maintained to discuss specific care options for patients in compliance with the most recent guidance." This move would make the Richmond hospital one of several that's put such care on hold as healthcare facilities consider the impacts of Trump's order, according to the Associated Press. Henrico Schools issues statement on immigration raids, launches resource webpage The executive order, called "Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation," defines a "child" as someone 18 years old or younger. It describes gender-affirming care as the "maiming" and "sterilizing" of persons. The order goes on to list the use of puberty blockers -- a medicine that, while taken, prevents a person from beginning puberty -- as well as hormone treatment and surgical procedures as such "chemical and surgical mutilation." "Accordingly, it is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called “transition” of a child from one sex to another and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures," the order reads. PHOTOS: Petersburg City inspector tags multi-family home as ‘unfit for habitation,’ resident left with nowhere to go next Gender-affirming care for young people, as defined by the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, can consist of any combination of the following: Medical evaluation Medical hormone management Prescription medications Mental health care Voice therapy Letters of medical necessity to address hormone treatment, school issues and/or surgery (as needed) Referrals to other medical and surgical specialists (as needed) Referrals to peer and family support groups Educational materials The Associated Press said that, as of Thursday, other hospitals to confirm such a suspension of care include the Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C. and Denver Health in Colorado.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health and the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU have suspended gender-affirming care for patients under 19 years old in the wake of President Donald Trump's executive order that cuts federal funding for such care.
The following statement can be found on the Children's Hospital's webpage on transgender services as of Thursday, Jan. 30:
"VCU Health and Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU have suspended gender-affirming medication and gender-affirming surgical procedures for those under 19 years old in response to clear guidance from the state provided to VCU. We are committed to ensuring that we’re always delivering care in accordance with the law. Appointments will be maintained to discuss specific care options for patients in compliance with the most recent guidance."
This move would make the Richmond hospital one of several that's put such care on hold as healthcare facilities consider the impacts of Trump's order, according to the Associated Press.
Henrico Schools issues statement on immigration raids, launches resource webpage
The executive order, called "Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation," defines a "child" as someone 18 years old or younger. It describes gender-affirming care as the "maiming" and "sterilizing" of persons.
The order goes on to list the use of puberty blockers -- a medicine that, while taken, prevents a person from beginning puberty -- as well as hormone treatment and surgical procedures as such "chemical and surgical mutilation."
"Accordingly, it is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called “transition” of a child from one sex to another and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures," the order reads.
Gender-affirming care for young people, as defined by the Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, can consist of any combination of the following:
- Medical evaluation
- Medical hormone management
- Prescription medications
- Mental health care
- Voice therapy
- Letters of medical necessity to address hormone treatment, school issues and/or surgery (as needed)
- Referrals to other medical and surgical specialists (as needed)
- Referrals to peer and family support groups
- Educational materials
The Associated Press said that, as of Thursday, other hospitals to confirm such a suspension of care include the Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C. and Denver Health in Colorado.
