Seattle Children’s Hospital is in a legal tussle with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. The conflict arose after Paxton sought medical records of transgender youths under 18, focusing on those who moved from Texas to receive gender-affirming treatment. The hospital’s lawsuit, filed in December, claims Paxton’s demands overstep legal boundaries and infringe on interstate commerce and travel rights.
Challenging State Overreach
Texas has recently passed laws limiting gender-affirming care for minors. However, Paxton’s request for detailed medical records and information about treating physicians at Seattle Children’s Hospital raises constitutional concerns. The hospital, backed by Washington state laws designed to protect gender-affirming care, has refused to comply, citing patient privacy and legal protections.
A Pattern of Targeting
This incident isn’t isolated. In 2022, Paxton sought a list of transgender individuals in Texas, requesting personal details and driver’s license information. State agencies and rights groups have criticized these actions, calling them invasive and discriminatory. The current legal battle underscores the ongoing tension between state policies and individual rights, especially concerning transgender individuals.