DOJ issues subpoenas over gender-affirming care for minors

The U.S. Justice Department has expanded its scrutiny of gender-affirming care for minors by issuing more than 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics that provide such treatments, demanding detailed records about patients and the care they received. The move, described by officials as part of investigations into healthcare fraud and false statements, comes as clinics across the country have paused or scaled back services in the face of mounting federal pressure. The subpoenas target a wide range of documents, including patient identifying information, communications among clinicians, staff records, and billing codes for puberty blockers, hormone therapies, and related services.

One notable subpoena was issued to a major pediatric hospital in June, demanding extensive information intended to identify patients who were prescribed puberty blockers or hormone therapies, as well as personal data such as names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and addresses. The request also sought communications between clinicians, records of patient intake procedures, and the specific insurance billing codes used for gender-affirming care. The document also called for personnel files across...