The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has begun an investigation into Johns Hopkins University Hospital, accusing it of administering sex-change medications to minors.
HHS General Counsel Mike Stewart mentioned the Maryland-based hospital in a post on X. He pointed out that organizations like the Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender and Gender Expansive Medicine should be looked into for not adhering to established medical standards.
Recently, over 30 hospitals, including some of the largest in the nation, have chosen to halt gender-related procedures for minors. Stuart praised these institutions for taking a firm stand after previous decisions that he claimed caused irreversible harm to children.
He expressed concern that facilities like Johns Hopkins continue to perform what he described as horrific acts that harm minors. He emphasized a commitment to safeguarding children from what he sees as detrimental treatment.
This investigation aligns with HHS’s recent announcement about regulatory actions aimed at preventing hospitals from offering sex-change treatments to minors as part of their Medicare and Medicaid participation.
Stewart quoted HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., asserting that treatments denying children their biological sex are neither safe nor effective. He reiterated that such procedures greatly contradict recognized medical guidelines and emphasized the need for protection for all children across the country.
A spokesperson for Johns Hopkins has stated that the hospital does not conduct gender reassignment surgeries on minors. They also noted the lack of formal investigation notice from HHS’s Office of Inspector General. They emphasized that patient care remains their top priority.
However, their website does indicate a “Gender Diversity Clinic” that offers puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to minors, while also providing referrals for surgeries for those 18 and older.
The clinic claims to follow guidelines from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), which has faced criticism in the past. Leaked information indicated a lack of meaningful communication about the potential for long-term infertility during consultations with young patients.
Even though WPATH had the support of the Biden administration, it faced backlash from the Trump administration, which has sought to diminish its influence. In January 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Amputations,” condemning WPATH’s recommendations as lacking scientific validity.
This order required the withdrawal of any governmental policies based on WPATH’s guidelines.
In at least 19 states governed by Democrats, there have been legal challenges regarding actions taken to restrict health services for minors.
Recently, a New York jury awarded $2 million in damages to a detransitioner after finding medical malpractice in a case involving a double mastectomy performed when the individual was just 16 years old.
