Two Republican lawmakers are demanding answers from Texas Children’s Hospital about its gender mutilation programs for minors.
U.S. Reps. Chip Roy (R-TX) and Jim Jordan (R-OH) sent a letter to Chief Executive Officer Dr. Debra Feigin Sukin asking for all documents and communications relating to TCH’s decision to revive its gender mutilation procedures as well as how and when TCH identified Dr. Eithan Haim as the whistleblower who revealed its continued practices.
In May 2023, Haim blew the whistle on TCH and revealed that the hospital was continuing to administer cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers to minors despite its CEO announcing in March 2022 that that the practice would be terminated.
Federal agents visited Haim in June 2023 and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tina Ansari threatened him with prosecution. He was indicted this summer, and the Biden administration subsequently unsealed the four-count indictment alleging that he used the hospital’s electronic system without authorization to obtain personal information including patient names, treatment codes, and the identities of attending physicians.
In June, Attorney General Ken Paxton opened an investigation into the hospital for Medicare fraud after a second whistleblower came forward to claim that an alarming number of “transgender” teenage patients were under the care of two doctors named Roberts and Paul—who had allegedly been billing the state Medicaid program.
Haim currently faces a four-count indictment. Maximum penalties include up to 10 years in federal prison and fines totaling $250,000.
“The DOJ’s prosecution of Dr. Haim for blowing the whistle on criminal child abuse is wrong,” the letter reads. “As the Subcommittee examines this matter to inform potential legislative reforms that would enhance civil liberties and protect minors, we believe that the Texas Children’s Hospital possesses relevant documents and information.”
The hospital must provide the subcommittee with various documents and communications regarding Haim and gender mutilation practices from March 2022 to the present. Texas Children’s Hospital has until December 27 to produce the documents.
A Texas Children’s Hospital spokesperson told Texas Scorecard that the hospital will work with the congressmen and provide all necessary documents.
“Texas Children’s acknowledges receipt of the request from our Congressional leaders. We are looking forward to responding to this request with transparency and are ready to provide any necessary information or assistance,” the spokesperson said. “Texas Children’s does not perform any gender affirming care treatment or procedures. We operate in compliance with all state and federal laws and ensure the highest standard of care is provided to our patients.”
No ads. No paywalls. No government grants. No corporate masters.
Just real news for real Texans.
Support Texas Scorecard to keep it that way!
