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
‘Show me your phone:’ End of cash bus fares to expedite MTA fare enforcement

MTA to Enhance Fare Enforcement with Shift from Cash to Digital Payments on Buses

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) anticipates that the complete transition to a…
Trump plans to weaken vehicle mileage rules that limit air pollution

Trump Proposes Rollback of Vehicle Mileage Standards to Ease Air Pollution Regulations

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has unveiled a plan to relax vehicle…
911 call captures alleged attack by suspect prior to St. Johns County deputy-involved shooting

Alarming 911 Audio Reveals Incident Leading to Deputy Shooting in St. Johns County

Authorities in St. Johns County are investigating a chilling sequence of events…
California Christian college student founds pro-life club after school rejects Students for Life chapter

California College Student Champions Pro-Life Movement with New Club After School Denies Students for Life Chapter

A determined pro-life advocate at a Christian college in California has successfully…
Illegal immigrant with prior DUIs, deportation order, suspected in crash killing 8-year-old California girl

Suspect in Fatal Crash Involving 8-Year-Old California Girl Identified as Undocumented Immigrant with Prior DUIs and Deportation Order

An unfortunate tragedy unfolded over the weekend when an illegal immigrant, previously…
Faulty glucose sensors used by diabetes patients linked to 7 deaths, hundreds of medical issues

Defective Glucose Sensors for Diabetes Patients Tied to 7 Fatalities and Numerous Health Complications

Approximately 3 million glucose sensors across the United States are at the…
New York state blocks second Long Island school district from adopting transgender bathroom ban

New York State Intervenes to Prevent Second Long Island School District from Implementing Transgender Bathroom Restrictions

In a decisive move, New York state has intervened once again to…
Chicago City Council members flex political muscle in dispute on city budget, Mayor Brandon Johnson's proposed corporate head tax

Chicago City Council Asserts Influence in Debate Over City Budget and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Corporate Head Tax Proposal

Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson faces a challenging situation as his proposed budget…
3 teens arrested after Glynn County carjacking incident leaves man shot in leg

Urgent Alert: Lake City on High Alert as Armed Robbery Suspect Remains at Large

Authorities have issued a warning to avoid approaching Aljowan Jones, the suspect…
Europeans accuse Putin of feigning interest in peace after talks with US envoys

Europeans Call Out Putin’s Alleged Peace Charade Following High-Stakes Talks with US Envoys

KYIV, Ukraine — On Wednesday, Ukraine and its European partners accused Russian…
Sheriff: Man killed in St. Johns County deputy-involved shooting attempted to murder man just before death

St. Johns County Tragedy: Man Fatally Shot by Deputies After Alleged Attempted Murder

Sheriff Robert Hardwick reported that Kristopher Johnson allegedly tried to murder a…
Man charged with attacking NYU student has 16 prior arrests

Repeat Offender Charged in NYU Student Assault: 16 Prior Arrests Raise Concerns

A man accused of assaulting a 20-year-old New York University (NYU) student…