Children’s Minnesota to Pause Some Gender-Affirming Medications Amid Federal Pressure
Published: February 4th , 2026
Twin Cities MN — Children’s Minnesota announced plans to temporarily pause prescribing puberty-suppressing medications and pubertal hormones for patients under 18 in its Gender Health program, citing increasing federal actions targeting pediatric health systems that provide gender-affirming care.
The pause is expected to take effect Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, and applies specifically to puberty blockers and hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. Hospital leaders emphasized the Gender Health program itself will remain open.
In a statement, Children’s Minnesota said recent federal threats aimed at pediatric providers offering gender-affirming care have jeopardized the stability of the state’s only comprehensive pediatric health care system and raised concerns about clinicians’ ability to continue practicing medicine safely.
“This is not the decision we wanted to make,” the statement said. “This is the decision we had to make to protect our hospital and our providers.”
Children’s Minnesota stressed it will continue offering supportive care, mental health services, and guidance on both medical and non-medical treatment options for patients and their families. Hospital officials also said they have contacted affected families directly to help them navigate any changes to care.
The nonprofit health system reaffirmed its support for LGBTQ+ youth, stating that all children deserve access to the health care they need to thrive and be their “full, authentic selves.” Leaders also emphasized their belief that gender-affirming care is evidence-based, safe, and lifesaving for transgender and gender-diverse youth.
Children’s Minnesota said it remains committed to advocating for the dignity and well-being of patients and families while monitoring federal actions that could impact care moving forward.