Texas Hospital Opens Clinic for Detransitioning Patients

Texas Hospital Establishes Detransition Clinic

Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, the largest children's hospital in the United States, will establish the country's first "detransition clinic" to reverse gender-affirming treatments for transgender youth and dismiss five doctors involved in such procedures. This action, announced on May 15, follows a joint investigation by the U.S. Justice Department and the Texas Attorney General's office.

The hospital will also pay $10 million to settle allegations of improperly billing the state's Medicaid program for gender-affirming treatments, which are prohibited under Texas law. The settlement mandates that the detransition clinic will provide services free of charge for its first five years.

The five physicians will be permanently terminated and barred from future employment or credentialing at the hospital, with bylaws amended to automatically revoke privileges for any doctor violating the state's ban on gender-affirming care for minors.

Texas Children's Hospital stated its compliance with all laws and indicated the settlement was made to avoid prolonged litigation, allowing it to focus on patient care. The Justice Department's investigation found violations of federal laws related to fraud, conspiracy, and false claims. This agreement marks a significant development for opponents of gender-affirming treatment for minors, as the Justice Department continues similar investigations nationwide.