DOJ Maintains Broader Investigation
The Justice Department said it had not fully withdrawn the subpoena but clarified that certain requests were dropped after the hospital indicated it did not possess some of the records sought. Officials said the settlement avoided prolonged litigation while allowing the broader investigation to continue.
A department spokesperson reiterated the administration’s position that it will continue to pursue investigations related to gender-affirming care for minors, citing concerns about patient safety and regulatory compliance.
The subpoenas stem from an executive order signed shortly after President Donald Trump returned to office, directing federal agencies to end support for gender-affirming treatments for minors and prioritize related enforcement actions.
Wider Impact on Healthcare Providers
The dispute unfolded amid a wave of legal challenges nationwide, with judges rejecting multiple subpoenas directed at hospitals and clinics providing transgender healthcare. Several courts have ruled that the Justice Department overstepped its authority by seeking confidential patient information.
Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles previously announced it would shut down its specialized gender-affirming care program later this year, citing legal uncertainty and operational pressures.
The case remains part of a broader national debate over transgender healthcare, federal authority, and the limits of government involvement in private medical decisions.
