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NYU Langone Pauses Gender-Affirming Care Due to Federal Rule

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. s-gender-affirming-care-due-to-federal-rule.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 22:55 GMT by Fox 5 NY
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

NEW YORK -- NYU Langone Health has temporarily halted gender-affirming care for transgender and LGBTQ minors in New York City, a move directly responding to a recently finalized rule issued by the Trump administration. The new regulation restricts federal funding for programs and services related to gender transition for individuals under the age of 18, effectively cutting off financial support for such initiatives.

"We are pausing our program while we review the new federal policy and its implications," stated an NYU Langone spokesperson. "This decision was not made lightly, and we are committed to continuing to care for our patients and families."

The crux of the rule lies in its attempt to legally define sex as determined by biological characteristics at birth, a stark departure from the increasingly recognized understanding of gender as a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. This redefinition directly impacts access to gender-affirming care, encompassing a range of medical, psychological, and social support designed to align a person's gender expression with their gender identity. For minors, this can include puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and in some cases, surgical interventions, all typically provided under the care of multi-disciplinary medical teams.

The Biden administration has already signaled its intent to challenge the rule, promising a legal battle that could potentially overturn the restrictions. This sets the stage for a significant showdown over transgender rights and healthcare access at the federal level.

The immediate impact of NYU Langone's decision is the disruption of vital care for transgender youth and their families. Advocates are voicing strong concerns about the detrimental effects this pause will have on the well-being of these young people. The LGBTQ National Help Center, among other organizations, has condemned the rule, labeling it a dangerous step backwards for transgender rights.

Susan Brown, director of the LGBTQ National Help Center, powerfully stated, "This is a devastating blow to transgender youth and their families. Gender-affirming care is life-saving care." Research consistently demonstrates that access to gender-affirming care is associated with improved mental health outcomes, reduced rates of suicide attempts, and overall increased well-being in transgender individuals. Denying this care, especially during formative adolescent years, can have severe and long-lasting consequences.

Beyond the immediate pause in care at NYU Langone, this federal rule is expected to create a ripple effect across the country. Healthcare providers and organizations that rely on federal funding may be forced to reconsider their gender-affirming care programs, potentially leading to widespread limitations in access. This could particularly impact rural areas and underserved communities where access to specialized medical care is already limited.

Parents of transgender children are understandably anxious about the future. Many have shared stories of how gender-affirming care has dramatically improved their children's lives, allowing them to thrive and reach their full potential. The uncertainty created by this rule is adding immense stress to families who are already navigating complex challenges.

The legal arguments surrounding this rule are likely to focus on issues of federal overreach, equal protection under the law, and the right to bodily autonomy. Opponents of the rule will argue that it infringes on the rights of transgender individuals and their families, while proponents will contend that it is a necessary measure to protect children. The concept of "biological sex" and its relevance to healthcare decisions is also expected to be heavily debated.

NYU Langone is currently undertaking a comprehensive evaluation to determine the long-term consequences of the rule on its programs and the patients they serve. This includes assessing the legal implications, financial impacts, and the feasibility of continuing to provide gender-affirming care within the confines of the new regulations. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks and months. The future of gender-affirming care for minors in the United States hangs in the balance, dependent on the outcome of the legal challenges and the evolving political landscape.