Transgender youth services ending at NYU Langone amid federal funding threats

NYU Langone Health will no longer provide medical services for transgender youth, a move that has angered LGBTQ+ advocates and families on Long Island and across the state.

The hospital's announcement blamed the "current regulatory environment." It had stopped taking new patients in the program about a year ago.

Shortly after taking office in January 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order saying the government will only recognize two sexes: male and female. In addition, it called for actions to end gender-affirming care for transgender people under the age of 19.

In December, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said it was proposing a new rule that would "bar hospitals from performing sex-rejecting procedures on children under age 18 as a condition of participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs."

NYU Langone said it will continue offering pediatric mental health care.

"Given the recent departure of our medical director, coupled with the current regulatory environment, we made the difficult decision to discontinue our Transgender Youth Health Program," the statement said. "We are committed to helping patients in our care manage this change. This does not impact our pediatric mental health care programs, which will continue."

Gender-affirming care covers a number of services for people who identify as transgender and non-gender conforming. It ranges from regular check ups and health screenings, to receiving hormone blockers and surgery. Medical experts have supported comprehensive medical care for transgender youth to support their physical and mental health.

By Lisa L. Colangelo

lisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo

Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.