Seattle Children’s Hospital has made the decision to cease operations in Texas following a legal dispute over transgender children’s health records. The hospital, based in Seattle, Washington, had been providing gender transition interventions for Texas children at its main campus. However, a clash arose in court regarding demands from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for information concerning healthcare provided to transgender children in Texas.
Rather than complying with the attorney general’s demands, Seattle Children’s Hospital opted to withdraw its registration to conduct business in Texas. This decision comes as part of a settlement, with Paxton agreeing to drop his request for medical records in return.
Conservative groups in Texas are hailing this settlement as a victory, asserting that it sends a clear message about adhering to state laws regarding transgender healthcare for minors. Andrew Brown, representing the Texas Public Policy Foundation, emphasized that the settlement highlights the importance of respecting state regulations, particularly those that pertain to healthcare for children.
Seattle Children’s Hospital clarified in a statement that they do not operate healthcare facilities or provide gender-affirming care in Texas. The agreement to withdraw from Texas underscores the complexities and legal challenges surrounding healthcare services for transgender individuals, especially minors, across different states.
This development reflects ongoing debates and legal battles surrounding transgender rights and healthcare access in the United States, with stakeholders on both sides closely watching the outcomes of such disputes.
