Seattle Hospital Files Petition Against Texas Attorney General's Office Over Demand for Patient Information on Gender-Affirming Care

In a legal battle between Seattle Children's Hospital and the Texas Attorney General's Office, the hospital has filed a petition to halt the office's demand for patient information on children seeking gender-affirming care. The filing, made on December 7, states that the office sought "documents and information" regarding Texas residents treated by Seattle Children's Hospital and "physicians associated with" the hospital. The demands specifically requested information on diagnoses, medications prescribed, laboratory testing, and treatment protocols utilized by physicians from January 1, 2022, to the present.

Seattle Children's Hospital, in its petition filed in Travis County, Texas, argues that it is prohibited by Washington state law from responding to these demands. The hospital also claims that the demands constitute an unconstitutional attempt to investigate and hinder interstate commerce and travel for Texas residents seeking care in another state. Additionally, the hospital questions the jurisdiction of the Texas Attorney General's Office in this matter.

A spokesperson for the hospital stated that Seattle Children's Hospital took legal action to protect the privacy of patient information related to gender-affirming care services. The hospital assures compliance with the law for all healthcare services provided, but due to active litigation, it cannot provide further comments at this time. CNN reached out to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office for comment, but there has been no response.

The conflict between Seattle Children's Hospital and the Texas Attorney General's Office stems from the office's broader attack on transgender rights. Last year, Paxton declared gender-affirming surgical procedures on children and prescribing drugs affecting puberty as "child abuse." In response, Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered an investigation into any reported instances of these procedures. However, LGBTQ rights advocates sued, and a district judge ruled in September 2022 that the state cannot pursue investigations into parents providing gender-affirming care if they are part of the groups suing the state.

The recent demand for patient information from Seattle Children's Hospital indicates that Paxton is extending his investigation beyond state borders. The hospital filed a lawsuit in Austin, Texas, seeking to invalidate or narrow Paxton's requests. The hospital argues that his office is overstepping its jurisdiction and lacks the authority to request these records.

Texas is among over 20 states that have implemented laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. The lawsuit filed by Seattle Children's Hospital is still pending, and no decision has been made yet.

Seattle Children's Hospital received the request for patient information from Texas in November. The lawsuit includes a copy of the letter from Paxton's office, which asks for records on medication given to Texas children, the number of children receiving treatment, and the hospital's treatment protocols. Seattle Children's Hospital claims it cannot respond to the letter due to a Washington state law that protects minors seeking gender-affirming care.

This legal battle takes place against the backdrop of a larger movement in which lawmakers in various states have attacked transgender rights and limited or banned gender-affirming care for minors. Earlier in the year, Paxton's office also sought information from Dell Children's Hospital in Texas regarding its policies on puberty blockers and patient referrals for treatment or counseling.

The Texas law signed by Governor Greg Abbott restricts transgender minors from accessing hormone therapies, puberty blockers, and transition surgeries. However, medical experts argue that such surgical procedures are rarely performed on children. The law also requires children who have already started the banned medications to be gradually weaned off them in a medically appropriate manner.

The outcome of this legal dispute between Seattle Children's Hospital and the Texas Attorney General's Office will have significant implications for transgender rights and gender-affirming care for minors. The hospital's petition seeks to protect patient privacy and challenge the overreach of the Texas Attorney General's Office in this matter.

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