In a bold statement on Monday, New York Attorney General Letitia James cautioned hospitals against complying with President Donald Trump’s recent executive order aimed at restricting sex-change procedures for minors. James asserted that adherence to this directive would contravene state law and the rights of minors seeking gender-affirming health care.

Understanding Trump’s Executive Order

Trump’s executive order, titled “Protecting Children From Chemical And Surgical Mutilation,” was signed last week with a stated goal to curtail “chemical and surgical” sex-change procedures for adolescents.

The order expressed concerns over what Trump characterized as a dangerous trend in medical practices concerning youth. The proclamation declared that medical professionals across the United States are “maiming and sterilizing a growing number of impressionable children.” Furthermore, the executive order emphasized that the government “will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another.”

Legal Implications in New York

In her letter, Attorney General James elaborated on the legal ramifications of following Trump’s order, contending it would violate New York State’s anti-discrimination laws. “Regardless of the availability of federal funding, we write to further remind you of your obligations to comply with New York State laws,” she stated, making it clear that state law remains a priority over federal directives.

Communicating the stance of hospitals, Brian Conway, a spokesperson for the Greater New York Hospital Association, revealed that they are reviewing the executive order’s legal and clinical implications. “We are collaboratively working through every aspect of the EO to determine its legal and clinical implications,” he stated in an email to the Associated Press, indicating ongoing discussions among hospital administrators.

Medical Concerns Raised by Experts

As debates continue over the implications of Trump’s executive order, medical professionals have voiced concerns regarding the types of treatments that would be discouraged. Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst with Fox News Channel, explained that the executive order particularly targets key treatments such as puberty blockers and sex reassignment surgeries for minors.

“Puberty blockers, the main one is Lupron, which we use for prostate cancer, enough said,” Siegel cautioned, highlighting potential adverse effects such as interference with bone growth and fertility, as well as cognitive functions. “I don’t believe that we can say the puberty blockers with hormones don’t have long-term side effects, they do,” he asserted, urging a more cautious approach.

Additionally, Siegel noted that surgeries, including mastectomies and various gender-affirming procedures, should not be performed on minors, labeling them as irreversible. He emphasized the complexity of determining the right course of action for children experiencing gender confusion, stressing the necessity of thorough mental health evaluations prior to any medical intervention.

The Importance of Mental Health Assessment

Siegel raised critical questions regarding the mental health support available to teens contemplating sex-change procedures. “Did they get enough mental health counseling? Did they get a chance to develop?” he queried, urging the need for a more comprehensive evaluation process. He cautioned that children may be subjected to external pressures from societal or familial expectations, which could impact their decisions.

He underscored that interventions should be approached with caution, particularly considering their potential for irreversible changes. The stakes are high, and Siegel believes that the path to gender-affirming care must be navigated with both diligence and empathy.

Next Steps and Ongoing Discussions

As New York Attorney General Letitia James continues to advocate for the rights of minors within the healthcare system, the discussion around Trump’s executive order remains dynamic. Healthcare providers, legal experts, and advocates must navigate the complex interplay of state and federal policies as they seek to provide safe and affirming care to all individuals.

Fox News Digital reached out to both James’ office and the White House for additional comments on the ongoing situation, highlighting significant national interest surrounding this contentious issue.

The Associated Press and Fox News Digital’s Kendall Tietz contributed to this report.