Johns Hopkins Denies Performing Gender Transition Procedures for Minors

Health system rejects HHS claims of providing "sex-rejecting" care for young patients.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:55pm

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Baltimore's Johns Hopkins Medicine has denied allegations from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that it is performing gender transition procedures for minors. HHS General Counsel Mike Stuart accused Johns Hopkins of "continuing to perform heinous and horrific acts of intentional permanent harm to minors," but the health system firmly rejected the notion that it provides gender affirming surgery to young patients.

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the ongoing debate around access to gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth, with HHS seeking to restrict such services while 19 states have filed a lawsuit to block the agency's efforts. The outcome could impact the availability of treatments like puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender reassignment surgery for minors experiencing gender dysphoria.

The details

HHS claims Johns Hopkins is allegedly taking part in "sex-rejecting" procedures for minors, which it says do not meet recognized standards of healthcare. However, a Johns Hopkins spokesperson denied that the health system provides gender transition surgery for minor patients, stating "Our patients remain our highest priority." The hospital's mission statement says its team "provides safe and affirming care that is evidence-based, trauma informed, and sensitive to each patient's health needs."

  • In December 2025, 19 states, including Maryland, filed a lawsuit over HHS's efforts to ban transgender services for minors.
  • In January 2024, President Trump signed an executive order seeking to cut federal support for certain types of gender transition services for people under 19.

The players

Johns Hopkins Medicine

A major academic medical center and health system based in Baltimore, Maryland.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

The federal agency responsible for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services.

Mike Stuart

The General Counsel for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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What they’re saying

“We have received no formal notice of investigation from (Office of the Inspector General). Johns Hopkins providers do not perform gender affirming surgery on minor patients. Our patients remain our highest priority.”

— Johns Hopkins Spokesperson

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The 19 states that filed the lawsuit over HHS's efforts to ban transgender services for minors will continue to push back against the agency's declaration, arguing it is inaccurate and unlawful.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing national debate around access to gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth, with the outcome potentially impacting the availability of such treatments for minors experiencing gender dysphoria.