HHS Announces Investigation Into Alleged Firing of Nurse Regarding Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

The HHS has published new guidance and launched a “new online portal where whistleblowers can submit a tip or complaint” regarding the so-called “chemical and surgical mutilation of children to the HHS Office of Inspector General.”

The HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) also “initiated an investigation of a major pediatric teaching hospital for allegedly terminating the employment of a whistleblower nurse for exercising her federally protected rights of conscience.” It is alleged that the hospital in question fired the nurse after she requested a “religious accommodation to avoid administering puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to children.”

This news follows actions by the Trump administration to stop gender-affirming care for minors, despite protestations from civil rights groups and medical associations. Since President Trump took office, HPN has reported on the administration’s impacts on gender-affirming care. We also reported today on a ruling from the HHS saying that gender dysphoria will be removed from a list of disabilities protected under federal law.