Lawyers defend transgender care as Trump administration requests patient information.
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has launched a vigorous defense against allegations made by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), concurring with assertions from the Trump administration. In a legal document filed on Monday in federal court, CHOP characterized the DOJ’s claims regarding purported “fraudulent billing practices” as unreliable and lacking substantive merit. The DOJ is currently investigating whether CHOP medical personnel misrepresented diagnoses to secure insurance coverage for off-label prescriptions intended for treating gender dysphoria, a condition where an individual’s gender identity does not align with their biological sex.
The federal investigation was initiated following a sweeping subpoena sent to CHOP in June, which requested detailed documentation including patient names, social security numbers, treatment notes, and communication records. In response, CHOP filed a motion in July aimed at limiting the scope of the subpoena to safeguard patient privacy—a concern that is a focal point of this ongoing legal dispute.
In its recent filing, CHOP’s legal team urged U.S. District Court Judge Mark A. Kearney to disregard the DOJ’s new evidence, arguing that it was improperly included in a related lawsuit brought forth by a group of CHOP patients and their families. These families are seeking to prevent the release of sensitive medical records to the DOJ. CHOP’s lawyers described the DOJ’s accusations as lacking credible foundation, asserting that they should not alter the existing judicial proceedings.
The DOJ’s scrutiny of CHOP is part of a larger national trend, following a memorandum issued by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in April, which called for federal action against gender-affirming care for minors. This initiative has led to similar subpoenas being issued to at least 19 hospitals across the United States. The federal government is particularly concerned with the off-label use of drugs such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy for treating gender dysphoria in minors. Such off-label prescriptions are not uncommon in medical practice but have come under increased scrutiny in the context of gender-affirming care.
CHOP has maintained that gender-affirming medical treatment for children is medically sound and supported by major health organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics. Research indicates that individuals with gender dysphoria are at higher risk for various mental health issues, underscoring the necessity for appropriate medical care.
Moreover, psychological support and medical treatment for children experiencing gender dysphoria have been shown to significantly improve health outcomes. CHOP’s Gender and Sexuality Development Program, initiated in 2014, is among the largest in the nation, providing comprehensive care for numerous families annually.
The legal battle reflects broader societal debates about gender identity and the treatment of transgender youth. As the case progresses, it highlights significant issues pertaining to patient privacy rights, the necessity for gender-affirming care, and the role of federal oversight in healthcare practices.
The DOJ has thus far refrained from commenting on the latest developments. This ongoing case is emblematic of the conflicting narratives surrounding healthcare for transgender youth and the legislative and legal efforts that seek to reshape how such care is delivered in the United States.
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