Full Breakdown
NYU Langone and UPMC Settle DOJ Investigations, End Gender-Affirming Care for Minors
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The U.S. Department of Justice announced that NYU Langone Health will pay an $8.5 million civil penalty and that the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) will pay $950,000. Both hospitals have agreed to cease providing gender-affirming medical services to patients under 18. The settlements follow earlier agreements with health systems in New York, Texas, Ohio and Connecticut. The DOJ alleges that some providers engaged in “fraudulent billing practices” to obtain payments from federal health programs and private insurers. Neither hospital admitted wrongdoing; they framed the deals as a way to avoid further subpoenas and protect patient privacy.
Background & Context
Since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term, the administration has pursued policies that restrict gender-affirming care for minors, including threats to withdraw federal funding from hospitals that continue such services. In December, the DOJ threatened to revoke funding from providers offering the care. Earlier this year, NYU Langone announced it would halt the services because of the “current regulatory environment,” and Mount Sinai reached a similar settlement two weeks prior.
Official Statements & Responses
NYU Langone issued a statement denying any misconduct but said the settlement removes the threat of a subpoena demanding confidential information about patients under 18. UPMC gave a comparable explanation, asserting the deal shields patients and clinicians from intensified scrutiny.
Criticism & Opposition
LGBTQ + advocates argue the settlements leave trans youth with dramatically fewer options for care. Attorney Shannon Minter of the National Center for LGBTQ Rights called the DOJ campaign “intimidation,” saying it is “not law enforcement” but a politically motivated effort to force hospitals to drop lawful care.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We believe this resolution is in the best interests of our patients and their families, protecting them as well as our providers and the institution from prolonged litigation,” — Steve Ritea, spokesperson for NYU Langone, according to the New York-based news website Gothamist