“When unsafe medical practices put minors at risk or violate federal law, the Department will act swiftly and decisively to protect them and hold every institution accountable.”
Connecticut Children’s Medical Center has become the third major pediatric hospital to reach an agreement with the Department of Justice over its investigation into hospitals providing transgender surgeries and procedures to minors.
The DOJ announced Tuesday that Connecticut Children’s agreed to stop performing what the department described as "sex-rejecting procedures" on patients under 18, including the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries. Under the agreement, the hospital will also pay a financial penalty and commit an additional $500,000 toward medical care for individuals experiencing complications or other consequences related to prior gender altering procedures.
The settlement follows similar agreements previously reached with Texas Children’s Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation as part of the DOJ's ongoing nationwide investigation into potential violations of federal law connected to performing sex changes on minors.
"The Department of Justice will stop at nothing to protect America's children," Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said in a statement. "This resolution is a reminder to hospitals, medical providers, and pharmaceutical companies that the Justice Department will vigorously enforce federal law, especially where the lives of children are endangered."
According to the DOJ, Connecticut Children’s received cooperation credit during the investigation after working proactively with federal officials. The department also cited the hospital's commitment to funding medical care for patients seeking treatment related to previous procedures.
Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate said the agreement reflects a broader effort to end the controversial practice at major healthcare institutions.
"As with Texas Children's and Cleveland Clinic before it, I am encouraged when leading institutions like Connecticut Children's agree to be part of the solution and no longer the problem," Shumate said. "But while we can be grateful when we arrive at such positive resolutions, we cannot and will not rest in our pursuit of justice for the victims of these discredited practices." Ryan Raybould, US Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, said, "This resolution reaffirms our unwavering commitment to safeguarding America's children. When unsafe medical practices put minors at risk or violate federal law, the Department will act swiftly and decisively to protect them and hold every institution accountable."
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