Stanford halts gender-affirming surgeries to children amid pressure from Trump administration

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Stanford Medicine has halted providing gender-affirming surgeries to children, KRON4.com has confirmed. According to a spokesperson for the medical provider, the decision comes following a “careful review of the latest actions and directives from the federal government” and consultations with “clinical leadership, including our multidisciplinary LGBTQ+ program and its providers.”

“Stanford Medicine paused providing gender-related surgical procedures as part of our comprehensive range of medical services for LGBTQ+ patients under the age of 19,” a spokesperson said.

“We took this step to protect both our providers and patients. This was not a decision we made lightly, especially knowing how deeply this impacts the individuals and families who depend on our essential care and support,” they continued.

Stanford’s pause on providing the care took effect on June 2. The decision follows a similar move from Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, which told patients it would be closing its gender-affirming care program in July.

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to block hospitals and medical schools that receive federal grants from providing gender-affirming care to children. A federal judge blocked that executive order in March.