After a lawsuit settlement announced on Monday, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has decided to withdraw a request for Seattle Children's Hospital to provide records related to gender-affirming treatment for children from Texas. The legal battle began when the hospital filed a lawsuit against Paxton's office in response to his investigation into transgender health care practices beyond state borders.
Paxton, known for his conservative stance on transgender rights, had sent similar letters to Texas hospitals last year. The Seattle hospital successfully fought against the demands for confidential patient information, leading to a settlement that resulted in the dismissal of the lawsuit by a judge in Austin.
Texas is one of several states that have implemented laws restricting or prohibiting gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. The lawsuit revealed that Paxton's office had requested information such as medication records for Texas children, the number of Texas minors receiving treatment, and treatment protocols.
As part of the settlement, Seattle Children's Hospital agreed to withdraw its registration to operate in Texas, although the hospital clarified that it does not provide gender-affirming care in the state. The hospital stated that it had a limited number of remote employees residing in Texas, none of whom were involved in such care, and that it did not advertise services in the state.
Paxton expressed his stance on protecting children from what he termed as 'damaging' gender-affirming treatment, emphasizing Texas' commitment to enforcing laws that restrict access to hormone therapies, puberty blockers, and transition surgeries for transgender minors.
Meanwhile, in Washington, Governor Jay Inslee has signed legislation aimed at safeguarding minors seeking gender-affirming care, reflecting a broader trend in Democratic-led states to support individuals seeking such treatments.
