Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) announced it will close its Center for Transyouth Health and Development and end its gender-affirming care surgical program. The decision comes amid pressure from the Trump administration and concerns over California’s budget crisis.
According to an email obtained by Eyewitness News, hospital executives cited several challenges, including executive orders from President Donald Trump and threats to cut federal funding. The hospital relies heavily on federal funding, which constitutes nearly two-thirds of its annual budget. Without this funding, CHLA stated it could only remain operational for 50 days, risking the loss of 40% of Los Angeles County’s pediatric hospital beds.
The closure follows a brief pause in February when CHLA stopped new enrollments in gender-affirming care for patients under 19. This pause was in response to an executive order signed by President Trump on January 28, which directed federal agencies to eliminate access to gender-affirming care for children, labeling it as “chemical and surgical mutilation.” Although the hospital resumed enrollments shortly after, ongoing pressure from federal agencies forced them to reconsider.
The hospital plans to end its transgender healthcare programs on July 22. Officials have begun notifying families, and doctors are working with patients to find alternative treatment options.
Fox LA reports that Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a memo demanding investigations into facilities offering gender-affirming care, further increasing pressure on CHLA.
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