New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) has issued a directive to hospitals across the state, urging them to continue offering sex-change drugs and procedures to minors despite an executive order from President Donald Trump.

The letter, sent on Monday, warns hospitals that complying with Trump’s order by halting such procedures could put them in violation of state law.

BREAKING: New York Attorney General Letitia James just issued a warning to NY hospitals not to comply with Trump’s EO to end “gender-affirming treatments” on children, claiming it could “violate state law.” pic.twitter.com/m9Jr8ncO00

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 3, 2025

Elon Musk Called This Financial News 'Terrifying'

“Regardless of the availability of federal funding, we write to further remind you of your obligations to comply with New York State laws,” the letter reportedly states, as quoted by The New York Times.

“Electing to refuse services to a class of individuals based on their protected status, such as withholding the availability of services from transgender individuals based on their gender identity or their diagnosis of gender dysphoria, while offering such services to cisgender individuals, is discrimination under New York law.”

On January 28, Trump signed an executive order titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation”, explicitly barring federal funding for child sex changes.

American Made Patriotic Apparel - Save 15% with Promo Code MERICA

The order states, “It is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures.”

THANKFULLY, President Trump signed executive orders to protect children from the child abusive transgender medical industry’s so called “gender affirming care.”

My bill, Protect Children’s Innocence Act (PCIA), makes it a felony to medically trans a child. @SpeakerJohnson… pic.twitter.com/T4nDcf3ow3

— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) February 1, 2025

The executive action also instructs federal agencies, including those that provide education and research grants to medical institutions, to ensure that taxpayer funds are not used for child sex-change procedures.

“Across the country today, medical professionals are maiming and sterilizing a growing number of impressionable children under the radical and false claim that adults can change a child’s sex through a series of irreversible medical interventions,” the order continues.

“This dangerous trend will be a stain on our Nation’s history, and it must end.”

Massive news: President Trump just signed an executive order banning sex changes for kids. More specifically, it bans the chemical and surgical mutilation of minors.

He says “This dangerous trend will be a stain on our Nation’s history, and it must end.”

Absolutely fantastic! pic.twitter.com/mbyInn9CWz

— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) January 28, 2025

In response to Trump’s order, several hospitals across the country have reportedly halted sex-change procedures for minors.

The New York Times reported that NYU Langone Health canceled the appointments of two 12-year-olds who were scheduled to receive puberty blockers.

Other hospital systems have also suspended sex changes for minors under the age of 19.

NYU Langone Health has not made an official statement about its policy change, but according to parents who spoke with The New York Times, the hospital system has begun canceling appointments for minors seeking sex-change treatments.

The financial impact of Trump’s executive order is substantial.

NYU Langone Health and its affiliated researchers received $815 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in one recent year, according to the Times.

With the threat of losing federal funding, hospitals face significant financial and legal questions over whether to comply with Trump’s directive or adhere to state-level mandates like those issued by Letitia James.

Following reports of appointment cancellations, the Democratic Socialists of America organized a protest Monday night in New York City, demanding hospitals continue offering sex-change procedures to minors.

The demonstration took place at St. Vartan Park, near NYU Langone Health, where protesters held signs reading “Protect trans futures,” “Don’t capitulate to hate,” and “Break the silence,” according to AFP.

NOW: One arrest as HUNDREDS March to NYU Langone Hospital to protest for Trans Kids Gender affirming care, after NYC hospital canceled appointment for 2 children to receive puberty blockers on President Trump’s Trans Care executive order. pic.twitter.com/Kd2BXedZWn

— Oliya Scootercaster (@ScooterCasterNY) February 4, 2025

Police reportedly detained at least one protester during the event.

The long-term effects of sex-change drugs and procedures have raised concerns among medical professionals.

Puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and irreversible surgeries—such as double mastectomies, genital removal or modification, and facial reconstruction—can result in permanent sterility and other severe health complications.

According to the Mayo Clinic, puberty blockers can negatively impact bone growth, density, and normal development.

Meanwhile, an increasing number of individuals who underwent sex changes as minors—commonly referred to as “detransitioners”—have come forward, detailing the irreversible harm and emotional distress they have endured after undergoing these treatments.

Trump’s executive order marks a significant shift from the Biden administration’s policies, which supported gender ideology and promoted sex changes for minors.

The order aligns with Trump’s broader campaign promises to protect children from medical interventions that permanently alter their biological sex.

Throughout his campaign, Trump pledged to roll back the Biden administration’s stance on transgender issues, restore protections for women’s sports and spaces, and prevent minors from accessing life-altering drugs and procedures.

Many of his cabinet appointees have supported similar policies, and Republican lawmakers in Congress have expressed support for further legislative action on the issue.

As the battle over child sex-change procedures continues, Trump’s directive has drawn a sharp line between federal and state policies, setting the stage for ongoing legal and political confrontations over the future of so-called “gender-affirming care” for minors.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.