NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Leading New York City health system NYU Langone Health canceled appointments for transgender youth following an executive order by President Donald Trump that threatens to withhold federal funding to hospitals providing gender-affirming care to children, according to a report from the New York Times.
The New York Times spoke with the parents of two 12-year-olds who were slated to receive implants in their upper arms this week that would dispense puberty-blocking medication, Supprelin A, but had their appointments called off.
The father of one of the children said that his child’s doctor told him the cancellation was due to “the new administration,” and directed him to call other hospital systems in NYC or a recommended system in Philadelphia, the report said.
The mother of the second 12-year-old was informed Wednesday, one day before her child’s appointment, that it was canceled as the medical team “[awaited] more guidance,” according to the New York Times.
NYU Langone Health has not made a statement regarding the report and did not respond to 1010 WINS’ request for comment.
Trump’s executive order—which was issued on Tuesday—seeks to end gender-affirming healthcare for children and teenagers under 19.
The order reads that “[i]t 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 directs federally-run insurance programs, like TRICARE for military families and Medicaid, to exclude coverage for gender-affirming care and calls upon the Department of Justice to pursue litigation and legislation opposing the practice.
Major medical groups in the U.S. like the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics support access to care.
New York State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal released a statement on Saturday regarding NYU Langone Health’s reported pause on gender-affirming care, stating that the decision “could put lives at risk.”
Hoylman-Sigal said that the move by NYU Langone Health “sends a dangerous and [confusing] message to these patients, their families, physicians, and the entire LGBTQ community across our state.”
While Hoylman-Sigal said he understands the healthcare system is responding to the “outrageous” executive order from Trump, he hopes providers “will prioritize the health and well-being of the patients in their care and provide clear direction to patients and their families, especially vulnerable populations such as transgender youth.”
He was joined in his condemnation of the decision by NYC Councilmember Keith Powers, who said he reached out to NYU Langone Health following the New York Times report.
“Make no mistake: This is part of a continued and ongoing attack by the Trump administration against the trans community,” Powers said. “Right now, we need doctors & hospitals able to make the best decision for their patients, not worrying about prosecution or political retribution.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.