Children’s Hospital Colorado and Denver Health have again suspended gender-affirming hormonal treatments for minors. This decision comes amid pressure from federal authorities, although transgender youth can still access care from other providers in Colorado that do not rely on federal funding. The situation reflects ongoing tensions regarding health care regulations and federal funding policies.
Mardi Moore, CEO of Rocky Mountain Equality, confirmed that while the hospitals have limited their offerings to behavioral health support, youth can still seek care elsewhere. The latest suspension follows a declaration from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, stating that gender-affirming care is “neither safe nor effective.” This declaration threatens to cut Medicare and Medicaid payments to hospitals providing such care, which could severely impact their financial stability.
On December 18, 2025, Children’s Hospital Colorado and Denver Health announced that they would not write new prescriptions or renew existing ones for puberty blockers or hormones intended for gender-affirming purposes. However, puberty blockers remain available for children experiencing early sexual development. Notably, neither hospital conducts gender-affirming surgeries on individuals under 18.
The controversial declaration from the federal government has prompted Phil Weiser, Colorado’s Attorney General, to announce on December 23 that the state would join a multistate lawsuit challenging the declaration. The lawsuit argues that the federal government has overstepped its authority by intruding on state regulation of medical care and failing to follow appropriate rulemaking procedures.
In their statements, both hospitals indicated that the suspension of gender-affirming hormone therapy was necessary to avoid the risk of losing Medicare and Medicaid payments while awaiting the outcome of the ongoing legal battle involving the federal government and the 19 states that have sued. “These changes, which are made necessary by the actions of HHS, substantially affect access to critical health services,” Denver Health noted.
The hospitals are under increasing scrutiny, particularly since they previously suspended gender-affirming hormonal therapy for minors in early 2025, following an order from the Trump administration. They reinstated their programs after a federal judge blocked that order. Currently, Children’s Hospital is also facing a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice, demanding records of transgender patients, including sensitive personal information.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has indicated it will refer Children’s Hospital Colorado and Seattle Children’s Hospital to the Office of the Inspector General for an investigation into their previous gender-affirming care practices. Typically, the inspector general’s office investigates issues related to Medicare fraud and improper payments.
Both hospitals have emphasized their commitment to providing mental health care and support to patients under 18, despite the uncertainty surrounding gender-affirming treatments. “We recognize the anxiety and grief that this continued uncertainty around access to gender-affirming care creates for those who have shown unwavering dedication and commitment to supporting children in embracing their true selves,” Children’s Hospital stated.
Major medical organizations advocate for allowing puberty blockers and gender-affirming hormone therapy for youth experiencing gender dysphoria. The ongoing legal and political battles surrounding these treatments continue to create a complex landscape for healthcare providers and patients alike, leaving many families navigating uncertainty in accessing essential medical care.
