UVA Health has resumed gender-affirming care for patients under 19 years of age after a federal court issued a temporary restraining order suspending Donald Trump’s executive order.
Services at UVA were paused on Jan. 31 in response to the president’s order and advice from Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares.
“UVA Health will continue to monitor legal developments in this case and provide our patients with the best care possible under Virginia and federal law,” the health system said in a statement today.
On Jan. 28, Trump signed an executive order and instructed federal agencies to take various actions against healthcare providers including threatening research grants and funding through Medicare and Medicaid.
“Subsequently, the attorney general of Virginia, who serves as legal counsel for the University of Virginia and other state agencies, released guidance on Jan. 30, indicating that agencies continuing to provide these services in defiance of the executive order risk substantial legal and financial consequences,” UVA said in the statement.
On Jan. 31, UVA Health suspended its gender-affirming care for patients under 19 years of age. A protest was held outside the hospital’s entrance that afternoon by community members who expressed outrage over the change in policy for transgender youth.
According to its website, UVA Health offers trans health services for ages 11 to 25 including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and referrals for surgeries and voice therapy. In order to receive treatment, a diagnosis of gender dysphoria is required.
VCU Health, on the other hand, announced tonight that it will not resume gender-affirming medications or surgical procedures for patients under 19 years old.
VCU said Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s office informed the health system that Miyares “prior directive that prohibits gender-affirming services outlined in the White House’s executive order still stands” despite the court ruling.
“Our doors have remained open, and will continue to be open, to all patients and their families for screening, counseling and all health care needs not affected by the executive order,” VCU Health and Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU said in a statement.
“We will continue to monitor developments and respond with a continued focus on our patients.”
Two federal judges appointed by former President Joe Biden have granted a temporary restraining order in response to the executive order by Trump.
On Friday, Judge Lauren King issued the order after Democratic attorneys general of Washington state, Oregon and Minnesota sued the Trump administration.
On Thursday, a federal judge in Baltimore took similar action in response to a separate lawsuit filed on behalf of families with transgender or nonbinary children. Judge Brendan Hurson’s temporary restraining order was set for 14 days initially, but it may be extended.
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Chris Graham
