Children’s Hospital Colorado is suspending all gender-affirming care to patients under 18 years old amid an investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
On Friday, the hospital announced that it had notified patients' families and team members of the decision. Children’s Colorado said that the HHS investigation threatens the hospital’s Medicaid and Medicare funding.
“Following the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) announced referral of an investigation against Children’s Hospital Colorado (Children’s Colorado), the hospital must suspend all medical gender-affirming care for patients under 18 years old while we await federal court rulings and assess the rapidly evolving legal landscape,” the hospital said in a statement.
Last week, HHS General Counsel Mike Stuart announced on social media that the referral for investigation into Children’s Colorado was sent to the HHS Office of Inspector General under a declaration signed by HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., because the procedures aren’t safe or effective.
Children’s Colorado said effective immediately, it will suspend writing new or renewing prescriptions for gender-affirming care for patients under 18 years old.
“We believe that families, in consultation with a trusted healthcare team, know what is best for their child, and that all families, including the families of gender diverse children, should have the ability to receive the expert medical care their child needs to thrive,” the hospital said.
Children’s Colorado has never provided gender-affirming surgical care for patients under the age of 18. Services will still be provided to patients over 18 years old.
Denver Health also announced on Friday that it will suspend gender-affirming care to youth in response to the Department of Health and Human Services’ actions.
“These changes, which are made necessary by the actions of HHS, substantially affect access to critical health services,” Denver Health said in a statement. “We also are concerned that the important relationships built between our providers and patients to help make informed decisions about their care are being disrupted. We are taking the appropriate steps to ensure our patients and families have the information they need at this time.”
Denver Health stopped performing gender-affirming surgeries in early 2025.
The Department of Health and Human Services announced last month a series of proposed regulatory actions to carry out President Donald Trump’s Executive Order to end the practice of gender-affirming procedures for children.
At the same time, Kennedy controversially signed a declaration finding that the procedures do not meet professionally recognized standards of health care.
Colorado has since joined 18 other states in suing to block the declaration.
- Some Colorado hospitals are set to resume some gender-affirming care for youth after challenge to Trump order
- Protest outside Children’s Hospital Colorado after sudden suspension of gender-affirming care
- Children’s Hospital Colorado suspends gender affirming treatment, following White House executive order
- ACLU sues Children’s Hospital on behalf of an 18-year-old seeking gender-affirming surgery
