Share this @internewscast.com

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton asked a Seattle hospital to hand over records regarding gender-affirming treatment potentially given to children from Texas, according to court filings that appear to show the Republican going beyond state borders to investigate transgender health care.

Seattle Children’s Hospital filed a lawsuit in Austin, Texas, this month asking a court to invalidate or narrow the requests from Paxton, a staunch conservative who has helped drive Republican efforts that target the rights of trans people. His office sent similar letters earlier this year to Texas hospitals.

Texas is among more than 20 states that have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. On Friday, court records showed there been no decision yet on the Seattle hospital’s lawsuit.

The hospital argued Paxton’s office was overstepping its jurisdiction and had no authority to request the records.

“Additionally, the Demands represent an unconstitutional attempt to investigate and chill potential interstate commerce and travel for Texas residents to another state,” the lawsuit states.

Paxton’s office did not immediately respond to a phone message and email seeking comment Friday. Lawyers and spokespersons for Seattle Children’s Hospital also did not immediately respond to a phone messages and emails seeking comment.

The Seattle hospital received the request from Texas in November. The lawsuit includes a copy of the letter from Paxton’s office, which among other requests asks the hospital to produce records identifying medication given to children who live in Texas; the number of Texas children who received treatment; and documents that identify the “standard protocol or guidance” used for treatment.

The hospital argued in cannot respond to the letter under a law signed by Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee earlier this year that aims to protects minors seeking gender-affirming care in Washington.

The law was part of a wave of legislation this year in Democratic-led states intended to give refuge amid a conservative movement in which lawmakers in other states have attacked transgender rights and limited or banned gender-affirming care for minors.

In May, Paxton’s office sought information from Dell Children’s Hospital in Texas about its policies on puberty blockers as well as documents identifying patients it has referred for treatment or counseling. The attorney general’s office request at the time asked to examine hospital records “to determine whether any state laws have been violated or misrepresentations have been made to parents and patients.”

Those efforts began before Texas’ restrictions were signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who was the first governor to order the investigation of families of transgender minors who receive gender-affirming care.

The Texas law prevents transgender minors from accessing hormone therapies, puberty blockers and transition surgeries, even though medical experts say such surgical procedures are rarely performed on children. Children who already started the medications being banned are required to be weaned off in a “medically appropriate” manner.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Former DACA recipient with violent criminal past flees ICE, tries balcony jump during Chicago arrest

DACA Recipient with Criminal Record Attempts Daring Escape from ICE in Chicago

This week in Chicago, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended…
Suspicious package with anti-Trump messaging prompts medical visits at Joint Base Andrews, official says

Suspicious Package with Anti-Trump Message Leads to Medical Evaluations at Joint Base Andrews

According to U.S. officials, a group of servicemembers at Joint Base Andrews…
Washington's struggling economy takes another economic hit from the government shutdown

Government Shutdown Deals Another Blow to Washington’s Faltering Economy: What It Means for You

WASHINGTON (AP) — As the holiday season approaches, the Capital Area Food…
Body of final US hostage Itay Chen, held by Hamas terrorists, brought home after 2 years in captivity

Remains of Last American Hostage Held by Hamas Return Home After Two Years

The Israel Defense Forces announced on Monday that the remains of Staff…
JD Vance hopes his Hindu wife converts to Christianity, sparking debate on interfaith marriage

JD Vance’s Desire for Wife’s Christian Conversion Ignites Interfaith Marriage Debate

During a recent address at a bustling college event, Vice President JD…
'Nothing like live hockey': Jacksonville Icemen draw huge crowd for thrilling season home opener

Jacksonville Icemen Captivate Large Crowd with Exciting Home Opener

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on…
Multiple agencies responding after LifeFlight helicopter crashes in Tennessee; casualties unknown

Emergency Response Mobilized After LifeFlight Helicopter Crash in Tennessee: Casualty Details Pending

Emergency crews are on the scene in Wilson County, Tennessee, following the…
Illinois SNAP recipients receive partial benefits before funding order blocked by Supreme Court Justice Jackson

Supreme Court Justice Jackson Halts Full Illinois SNAP Benefits: What You Need to Know

In a significant development, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has…
Jacksonville Fair, law enforcement assure safety amid viral 'Fair Takeover' concern

Jacksonville Fair Boosts Security Measures in Response to ‘Fair Takeover’ Buzz

The Jacksonville Fair, a beloved local tradition known for its thrilling rides,…
Trump Endorses Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio Governor

Trump’s Surprise Endorsement: Vivek Ramaswamy for Ohio Governor Shakes Up the Race!

Former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Vivek Ramaswamy in…
4 dead, 11 injured after police chase ends in crash in Ybor City, TPD says

Tragic Ybor City Crash: Police Chase Ends with 4 Dead, 11 Injured in Devastating Accident

The Tampa Police Department has reported the arrest of 22-year-old Silas Sampson,…
Israel warns Hezbollah ‘playing with fire,’ presses Lebanon to act on weapons pledge

Israel Cautions Hezbollah on Escalating Tensions, Urges Lebanon to Honor Weapons Agreement

In light of Hezbollah’s ongoing military build-up and Lebanon’s alleged non-compliance with…