The Department of Justice has reached a settlement with Connecticut Children’s Medical Center to stop providing certain medical treatments to minors, the agency announced. The agreement resolves an investigation into federal law violations related to the provision of “gender-affirming care” to patients under 18.
Under the terms, the hospital system will stop performing sex-rejecting procedures, which include administering puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones. The center will also halt surgical interventions on children and adolescents. As part of the resolution, Connecticut Children’s must pay a monetary penalty. Additionally, the facility agreed to dedicate $500,000 to medical care for individuals living with the consequences of these procedures.
United States Attorney Ryan Raybould stated that the resolution affirms a commitment to safeguarding children when unsafe practices endanger them. The Department noted that Connecticut Children’s took significant steps toward cooperation during the investigation. This included a financial commitment to restorative care for victims.
Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division Brett Shumate praised the institution for agreeing to be part of the solution rather than the problem. He emphasized that while positive resolutions are welcome, the Department will not rest in its pursuit of justice.
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Broader Investigation Context
The settlement follows similar agreements with Texas Children’s Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. This pattern of enforcement represents a coordinated effort between the Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
It is worth noting that the legal setting regarding medical care for minors has shifted rapidly in recent years. Similar federal investigations have targeted various institutions across the country, creating a fragmented environment for pediatric providers. The specific focus on “sex-rejecting procedures” signals a broader strategy by federal authorities to regulate treatments that medical associations have historically categorized as standard care for gender dysphoria. The Civil Division’s Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch is leading the current enforcement actions.
The Department has coordinated with other federal agencies to ensure these agreements are enforced effectively across the nation. United States Attorney Ryan Raybould noted that the resolution affirms a commitment to safeguarding children when unsafe practices endanger them. The Department noted that Connecticut Children’s took significant steps toward cooperation during the investigation. This included a financial commitment to restorative care for victims.
Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division Brett Shumate praised the institution for agreeing to be part of the solution rather than the problem. He emphasized that while positive resolutions are welcome, the Department will not rest in its pursuit of justice.
