Statement from Connecticut Republican Chairman Ben Proto on Connecticut Children's Medical Center Ending Gender Affirming Care for Minors

Connecticut Children’s Medical Center’s decision to end “gender-affirming care” for minors raises important questions. In announcing they are “reviewing the long-term sustainability of our gender care program,” one must ask whether the program was implemented to address actual medical needs or to fulfill a political agenda. The hospital also cites “political backlash” as unprecedented in its 45-year history of serving children. But this is not simply political backlash-it is a reflection of growing societal concern. 

These concerns center on the appropriateness of subjecting young children-who are still years away from fully developing mentally, emotionally, intellectually, physically, and sexually-to irreversible medical procedures. Many individuals who underwent such treatments as minors now express deep regret over decisions made before they had the maturity and capacity to fully understand the consequences. 

Life-altering, irreversible medical interventions of this nature should be made by individuals who have reached an age and level of development where they can make informed, thoughtful decisions for themselves. In taking this step, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center has chosen a responsible and prudent course, and I am confident they will continue to deliver the exceptional care they have provided to Connecticut’s children for decades.