Texas Children’s Hospital CEO Mark Wallace announced plans Wednesday to discontinue the hospital’s gender treatment program for minors to comply with a new bill passed by the state legislature banning such treatments.
Gov. Greg Abbott said he will sign the bill into law.
In an email sent Wednesday, according to local reports, Wallace said in order for the hospital to comply with Senate Bill 14, which “prohibits procedures and prescription treatments for gender transitioning, gender reassignment and gender dysphoria,” the hospital will “modify” its “gender-affirming care to comply with the new law,”
The bill was passed by the Texas legislature earlier this month and, pending the governor’s signature, would take effect on Sept. 1.
“The transition we will embark on is going to be immensely heart-wrenching, but we will lead through this adversity and navigate these next steps together with grace, love and compassion like we always do,” Wallace stated in the email.
The Texas legislature passed SB 14, which Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to sign. The law will go into effect on Sept. 1. (iStock)
“As the largest pediatric healthcare provider in the nation, being unable to serve and support these children and families the way we have in the past is painful. It is difficult for me, the In-Chiefs & Chairs, executives, faculty, staff and care teams to know that this is where we find ourselves,” he continued.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a news conference on March 15, 2023 in Austin, Texas. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
TEXAS BILL BANNING GENDER PROCEDURES, HORMONE THERAPY FOR TRANS KIDS SENT TO GOVERNOR
Wallace said the hospital will work with patients to find alternatives for gender surgeries and hormones out-of-state, and will “continue to offer psychological support and any form of care within the bounds of the law.”
Wallace said in the email that the hospital will also “remain dedicated and to educating and amplifying the importance of safe, high-quality transgender medicine programs.”
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Texas state Capitol in Austin, Texas. (Tamir Kalifa/Getty Images)
“No matter what your opinion may be about this topic, there are children, families and care teams who are deeply affected by this new legislation,” he stated. “Please join me by showing them support, empathy and care during this time. I want to keep their safety, well-being and care at the forefront of all we do at Texas Children’s.”
Fox News Digital reached out for comment to Gov. Abbott’s office as well as the office of state Sen. Donna Campbell, who authored the legislation. Neither responded by time of publication.
