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Montefiore Halts Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. iore-halts-gender-affirming-care-for-minors.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 18:13 GMT by Fox News
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 18th, 2026 - Montefiore Health System, a major healthcare provider in New York State, has ceased offering gender-affirming care to patients under the age of 18, impacting roughly 20 young individuals. The decision, announced to patients last week, signals a growing trend of hospitals reassessing--and in many cases, curtailing--such programs amidst escalating legal battles and increasingly complex ethical debates surrounding transgender healthcare for minors.

Montefiore, which established its transgender care program in 2019, previously provided a comprehensive suite of services, encompassing initial evaluations, medical and surgical transition options, and essential behavioral health support. The program's termination, while maintaining services for adult patients, underscores the intensifying pressure faced by healthcare institutions navigating a politically and ethically charged environment.

While Montefiore officials have remained tight-lipped regarding the precise reasoning behind the decision, it arrives on the heels of a surge in legal challenges targeting gender-affirming care for minors across the United States. Multiple states have already enacted legislation either restricting or outright banning access to such treatments, creating a patchwork of legal landscapes and fostering ongoing courtroom confrontations. These laws often focus on puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgical interventions, arguing that minors are not mature enough to make such life-altering decisions. Proponents of these restrictions also raise concerns about potential irreversible effects and the long-term health outcomes of these treatments.

However, critics contend that these bans deny medically necessary care to vulnerable youth, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide. They emphasize that gender-affirming care is supported by major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, and is provided under strict guidelines involving thorough evaluation and parental consent (where applicable).

The situation at Montefiore is not isolated. Similar pauses and terminations of gender-affirming care programs for minors have been reported in Washington state and Minnesota, suggesting a broader trend fueled by legal uncertainty and mounting concerns about the long-term impacts of these therapies. Several healthcare providers cite the risk of potential legal repercussions--including criminal charges in some states--as a key driver behind their decisions. The financial implications of defending against lawsuits are also a significant factor.

"We are deeply disappointed by Montefiore's decision to pause this vital program," stated Emily Martien, a spokesperson for Gender Equality New York. "This decision will have a devastating impact on the young people who rely on this care, and it sends a harmful message that transgender people are not worthy of support." Martien's statement reflects the fears of LGBTQ+ advocates, who view the growing restrictions on gender-affirming care as a direct attack on the rights and wellbeing of transgender youth.

Beyond the legal and political dimensions, the debate surrounding gender-affirming care for minors also centers on ethical considerations. Concerns are often voiced regarding the potential for "de-transitioning," where individuals who have undergone gender-affirming treatments later regret their decisions. While the rate of de-transitioning is relatively low, proponents of cautious approaches argue that the potential for regret warrants a more conservative approach, particularly for minors whose brains are still developing. Counterarguments emphasize that regret rates are similar to those observed in other medical procedures and that comprehensive mental health support is crucial in ensuring informed decision-making.

Looking ahead, the future of gender-affirming care for minors remains uncertain. The ongoing legal battles are likely to shape the landscape of access to these services for years to come. Furthermore, research into the long-term effects of gender-affirming treatments is crucial to inform best practices and address the concerns of both proponents and critics. The Montefiore decision highlights the complex interplay of legal, ethical, and medical considerations, demanding thoughtful dialogue and a commitment to prioritizing the wellbeing of all patients, particularly vulnerable youth.