The Cleveland Clinic Foundation has committed to permanently stopping the provision of gender transition procedures to minors as part of a new settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice and the Ohio Attorney General. The agreement specifically prohibits puberty blockers and cross-sex hormone treatments for individuals under 18, marking a significant federal intervention in pediatric gender care.
Alongside this commitment, Cleveland Clinic agreed to pay a penalty to resolve claims that it submitted false billing to insurers for these treatments. The settlement requires a payment of $308,000 related to those allegations. Additionally, the hospital will allocate $2 million to support medical care for detransitioners—people who have reversed gender transition treatments—regardless of their insurance status or financial capacity. This funding aims to address medical needs stemming from decisions made during childhood or adolescence.
This resolution follows a similar agreement reached with Texas Children's Hospital, reflecting a broader effort by the Department of Justice to regulate gender-affirming care for minors nationwide. The DOJ has emphasized protection of children as a priority, signaling increased federal scrutiny on healthcare providers offering these procedures.
Simultaneously, the Department is engaging in compliance reviews involving school districts in California concerning gender ideology policies, expanding its oversight into educational settings as well. This indicates a multi-pronged federal approach addressing gender-related issues involving minors across healthcare and education.