Seattle Children’s Hospital has initiated legal action against Ken Paxton, the Attorney General of Texas. The dispute centers around Paxton’s inquiry into whether the hospital provided gender-affirming medical care to minors from Texas, where such treatments for transgender youths are prohibited.
A Clash of State Policies
The hospital’s stance is firm: releasing such information would breach both Washington and federal privacy laws. This case underscores the stark contrasts in state policies regarding transgender healthcare. While Washington State legally permits these treatments, Texas actively restricts them, pushing residents to seek healthcare elsewhere.
Washington’s Protective Measures
In a proactive response, Washington State has enacted a “shield law” this year. This legislation is designed to prevent local entities from disclosing information about gender-affirming care to states with opposing healthcare laws.
