Langone Medical Center Halts Gender-Affirming Treatments for Minors Following $2 Million Lawsuit
NEW YORK, N.Y. — In a significant shift in pediatric healthcare, Langone Medical Center announced on February 20, 2026, that it will cease providing gender-affirming surgeries and hormone treatments to children. This decision follows a $2 million settlement in a malpractice lawsuit brought by a detransitioner, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over gender-affirming care for minors.
Langone Medical Center, a prominent institution in New York City’s healthcare landscape, had long been at the forefront of offering gender-affirming interventions to transgender youth. However, the recent legal settlement has prompted the hospital to reconsider its approach, reflecting growing concerns about the efficacy and ethics of such treatments for children.
The lawsuit, which gained widespread attention, was filed by a former patient who detransitioned after undergoing hormone therapy and surgery as a minor. The plaintiff argued that the procedures were premature and not sufficiently supported by long-term evidence, leading to physical and psychological harm. The $2 million settlement underscores the increasing scrutiny faced by medical providers in this field.
This development comes amid broader national discussions about the appropriateness of gender-affirming care for minors. In 2025, the Harvard School of Public Health published a study noting that gender-affirming surgeries are rarely performed on transgender youth, though the report sparked debate over the transparency and completeness of the data presented.
Advocates for gender-affirming care have argued that such treatments are essential for the well-being of transgender youth, citing research that links access to affirming care with reduced rates of depression and suicide. Yet, detransitioners and some medical professionals have raised concerns about the long-term outcomes and the potential for regret, especially when irreversible procedures are performed at a young age.
The controversy has also played out in the political arena, where several states have enacted legislation restricting gender-affirming care for minors. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued guidance on the matter, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation and individualized care plans.
Langone’s decision to halt these treatments for children may signal a growing trend among hospitals reassessing their protocols in response to legal challenges and shifting public opinion. The hospital has not indicated whether it will continue to provide gender-affirming care to adults, focusing its announcement specifically on minors.
Medical experts emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary approaches when addressing gender dysphoria in youth, involving mental health professionals, endocrinologists, and pediatricians to ensure comprehensive care. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists continues to advocate for evidence-based practices that prioritize patient safety and informed consent.
As the debate evolves, families and healthcare providers alike face difficult decisions amid a complex and rapidly changing landscape. Langone Medical Center’s move reflects the heightened scrutiny and legal risks associated with gender-affirming care for minors, underscoring the need for ongoing research and dialogue on this sensitive issue.
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