6 US Hospitals Shut Youth Gender Clinics in DOJ Deals

At least six major US hospitals have agreed to close youth gender clinics as part of settlements with the Trump administration's Department of Justice, ending federal investigations while requiring the facilities to pay fines and fund care for former patients seeking to reverse treatment effects. The agreements, reached by September 2026, span hospitals in New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut — states that had previously supported gender-affirming care for adolescents.

What Are the DOJ Youth Gender Clinic Settlements?

The settlements resolve Justice Department probes into previously provided gender-affirming care and prevent hospitals from being forced to hand over patient records. None of the hospitals admitted wrongdoing. Terms vary: NYU Langone Hospitals agreed to pay $8.5 million and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centers $950,000, according to reporting by The Independent, while a Connecticut hospital agreed in August to keep its gender clinic closed for ten years, pay $60,000 to the federal government, and set aside $500,000 for patients under 19 who want to undo treatment effects.

In a statement, a Connecticut hospital spokesperson defended the deal: We have reached a solution that allows our organization to continue focusing on our mission to improve the health and well-being of children.

Which Hospitals Have Reached Agreements?

Reporting identifies six facilities or health systems involved in the latest wave of settlements:

• Cleveland Clinic
• Connecticut Children's Medical Center
• Mount Sinai
• Texas Children's
• NYU Langone Hospitals
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Centers

Most agreements have not been made public, according to The New York Times.

Why Are Youth Gender Clinics Closing Under Trump?

Since early 2025, the administration has applied financial and legal pressure on providers to stop treatments in the 24 states where they remain permitted. Many hospitals had already halted services, citing government pressure. The Trump administration published a report last year recommending only therapy — not broader gender-affirming care — for young people. The pressure campaign mirrors broader Trump administration transgender policies that have reshaped federal health guidance.

Most major medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, continue to support keeping gender-affirming care available. That guidance aligns with American Medical Association guidelines on evidence-based transgender healthcare.

Impact on Transgender Youth and Families

Families sued Connecticut Children's Medical Center last year after it stopped medical care for transgender minors. A lawyer for the families said the new settlement shows where the hospital stands on the issue. Critics warn the settlements politicize care: Eliel Cruz of the Gender Liberation Movement described the moves as politicizing care. The settlement follows the Connecticut Children's Medical Center lawsuit filed by affected families in 2025.

At least 27 states now restrict gender-affirming care for minors, and Democratic officials have sued the administration over its enforcement approach.

FAQ: US Hospitals Closing Youth Gender Clinics

How many US hospitals have closed youth gender clinics?

At least six major US hospitals or health systems have reached DOJ settlements to end gender-affirming care for minors, including NYU Langone, UPMC, Cleveland Clinic, Mount Sinai, Texas Children's, and Connecticut Children's.

Why are hospitals closing youth gender clinics?

Hospitals cite financial and legal pressure from the Trump administration, which has investigated previously provided care and recommended only therapy for transgender youth.

Do the settlements require hospitals to admit wrongdoing?

No. The hospitals have not said they did anything wrong, and the agreements end federal investigations while avoiding forced patient-record transfers.

What do hospitals pay under the settlements?

Amounts vary; reported figures include $8.5 million for NYU Langone, $950,000 for UPMC, and a $60,000 fine plus $500,000 reversal-care fund for a Connecticut hospital.