The Trump administration has escalated its campaign against gender-affirming care for minors, forcing two major Colorado hospitals, Denver Health and Children’s Hospital Colorado, to immediately suspend all such treatments. The hospitals’ decision was driven by direct threats from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to terminate critical Medicare and Medicaid funding—a financial blow that would devastate operations. This federal pressure follows HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s formal declaration that gender-affirming treatments for youth are “neither safe nor effective,” setting the stage for a nationwide crackdown that is already facing legal challenges from a coalition of states.
Story Highlights
- Denver Health and Children’s Hospital Colorado immediately suspended puberty blockers and hormone therapy for patients under 18.
- HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared gender-affirming treatments “neither safe nor effective” and proposed funding cuts.
- Hospitals risk losing millions in federal funding that supports 900,000 annual patient visits at Children’s Hospital alone.
- Colorado joins 19 states suing HHS for bypassing proper rulemaking procedures to implement the crackdown.
Federal Funding Threats Force Hospital Compliance
Denver Health and Children’s Hospital Colorado announced Friday they would immediately suspend all medical gender-affirming care for minors, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Both hospitals cited direct threats from the Department of Health and Human Services to terminate Medicare and Medicaid funding as the driving factor behind their decision. Children’s Hospital Colorado depends on Medicaid for approximately half of its 900,000 annual patient visits, making federal funding essential for operations.
Youth “gender affirming” interventions suspended because the HHS is closing off the $$ pipeline. Fewer children harmed. That is the metric that matters.https://t.co/LhTSPCy35U pic.twitter.com/vkLw2IDUjA
— Gerald Posner (@geraldposner) January 5, 2026
Kennedy Administration Declares Treatments Unsafe
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. issued a formal declaration in December 2025 deeming gender-affirming treatments for youth “neither safe nor effective.” The declaration preceded proposed rulemaking that would bar hospitals from receiving federal payments if they provide such treatments to minors. HHS General Counsel Mike Stuart simultaneously referred Children’s Hospital Colorado and Seattle Children’s Hospital to the Office of Inspector General for investigation, with Stuart stating the referrals ensure “children are safe.”
Timeline of Federal Pressure Campaign
The current suspensions represent the second round of federal intervention after initial resistance. Early 2025 saw both hospitals first suspend care following a Trump administration executive order, but they resumed services when a federal judge blocked the order. The Trump administration escalated pressure throughout 2025, culminating in Kennedy’s December declaration and new proposed rules conditioning hospital participation on compliance. This systematic approach demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ending youth gender interventions nationwide through financial leverage.
Legal Battle Emerges Over Procedural Violations
Colorado Attorney General and 19 other states plus the District of Columbia filed suit against HHS, alleging the agency bypassed required public notice and comment periods for rulemaking. The lawsuit, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, argues “Secretary Kennedy cannot unilaterally change medical standards” without proper procedures. This legal challenge highlights tension between federal enforcement power and established administrative law requirements that protect against arbitrary policy changes.
Hospital officials expressed frustration with the federal mandates while acknowledging fiscal realities. Denver Health stated the “changes made necessary by HHS disrupt access and relationships,” while Children’s Hospital emphasized their belief that “families and doctors decide what’s best.” Both institutions continue providing behavioral health support and other services while awaiting resolution of ongoing legal challenges.
Watch the report: Denver Health, Children’s Hospital Colorado suspend gender-affirming care for youth
Sources:
- Denver Health, Children’s Hospital Colorado suspend gender-affirming care for minors amid HHS threats
- Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver Health pause gender-affirming care for minors
- HHS Acts to Bar Hospitals from Performing Sex-Rejecting Procedures on Children
- Denver Health Responds to Executive Order Regarding Gender Affirming Care
