GOP Moves to Defund Hospitals That Perform Sex-Change Procedures on Minors

In a bold move, House GOP lawmakers are advancing a bill that would cut federal funding for hospitals performing sex-change procedures on minors.

Led by Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, and backed by advocacy groups Do No Harm and Genspect, the legislation takes aim at the funding hospitals receive through the Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education Payment Program.

Crenshaw stated, "We’re standing for basic medical ethics and recognizing those who have been silenced and betrayed by a system that put ideology ahead of genuine care. Medicine should be grounded in truth and healing—not in false promises that cause lasting harm." A compelling soundbite, to say the least.

The bill proposes reauthorizing the funding program through fiscal year 2030 but includes a stipulation: any hospital performing certain procedures or prescribing specific drugs to minors for the purpose of altering their biological sex would lose eligibility starting in fiscal year 2026.

Dr. Kurt Miceli, Medical Director at Do No Harm, praised the initiative, saying, "The American taxpayer should not fund hospitals that perform unscientific sex-change procedures on minors. This bill protects our children by ensuring federally funded programs remain aligned with ethical medical practices." That’s a pretty strong stance in today’s polarized climate.

Unsurprisingly, the bill was unveiled on "DeTrans Awareness Day," a day conservatives use to spotlight individuals who regret undergoing gender-transition procedures. The timing here is no coincidence.

Transgender medical care and minors’ rights have become flashpoints in America’s ongoing culture wars. From heated debates about school sports participation to disagreements within political parties, this issue has touched nearly every corner of the country.

Even California Gov. Gavin Newsom has chimed in on related topics. On a recent podcast, he called allowing transgender men to compete in women's sports "deeply unfair," aligning—at least momentarily—with conservative views. "I think it's an issue of fairness," Newsom remarked, a rare moment of political crossover.

As this bill makes its way through Congress, expect the debate to grow louder, sharper, and, let’s be honest, even more divisive. This is one to watch closely.