Chicago Hospital Pauses Gender‑Reassignment Drugs for Minors
Chicago’s Lurie Children’s pauses new gender‑reassignment drug prescriptions for minors amid federal investigation pressures.
CHICAGO — Lurie Children’s Hospital, one of the largest pediatric hospitals in Chicago, announced it is pausing the distribution of gender‑reassignment drugs for minors under 18 who have not previously received such treatments. The move came after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services referred the hospital to its Office of Inspector General for investigation over compliance with recently issued federal guidance on “sex‑rejecting” procedures.
In a statement, hospital officials said they will not initiate prescriptions of puberty blockers or hormone therapies for new minor patients at this time as they assess evolving legal and regulatory pressures. Minors already under treatment will continue to receive their medications.
The hospital emphasized its commitment to supporting all patients and families with expert medical care, even as it navigates federal scrutiny. Healthcare advocates have criticized the pause as creating uncertainty for transgender youth and their families.
Previously, the UOJ reported that New Hampshire became the 20th state to ban all gender-transition procedures for minors.
