Texas AG Probes Seattle Hospital Over Trans Youth Care Records
TL/DR –
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton asked a Seattle hospital for records related to gender-affirming treatment provided to children from Texas, representing a broadening investigation into transgender healthcare beyond state lines. In response, Seattle Children’s Hospital filed a lawsuit in Austin, Texas, seeking to invalidate or narrow Paxton’s requests, arguing that Paxton’s office was overstepping its jurisdiction and had no authority to request the records. The hospital also noted that it cannot respond to the letter due to a law signed by Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee earlier this year that aims to protect minors seeking gender-affirming care in Washington.
Texas AG Seeks Transgender Health Care Records from Seattle Hospital
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has requested a Seattle hospital to release records regarding gender-affirming treatment for Texan children, expanding his probe of transgender health care beyond state borders. Seattle Children’s Hospital is fighting Paxton’s request in court, claiming violation of jurisdiction and an unconstitutional attempt to restrict interstate commerce for Texan residents.
Earlier this year, Paxton also sent similar letters to Texas hospitals, reflecting Republican efforts to limit the rights of transgender people. Texas is one of over 20 states with laws banning or restricting gender-affirming care for transgender minors.
Paxton’s office is yet to comment on the case. Seattle Children’s Hospital received Paxton’s request in November, demanding records of medication given to Texan children, the number of Texas children treated, and documents identifying standard treatment protocols.
The hospital argues that a Washington law signed by Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee earlier this year, intended to protect minors seeking gender-affirming care, prevents it from complying with Paxton’s request.
This law is part of legislation passed in Democratic-led states aiming to provide refuge amidst the conservative movement which has seen a crackdown on transgender rights and gender-affirming care for minors in other states.
Back in May, Paxton’s office sought information from Dell Children’s Hospital in Texas, before Texas’ restrictions were signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who was the first governor to instigate the investigation of families with transgender minors receiving gender-affirming care.
The Texas law bans transgender minors from accessing hormone therapies, puberty blockers and transition surgeries. Any child already started on the banned medications is mandated to be weaned off in a “medically appropriate” manner.
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