In a significant legal development, the Women’s Law Project (WLP) and Philadelphia law firm Berger Montague have lodged a formal complaint against UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Filed with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission on Tuesday, the complaint accuses the hospital of sex and disability discrimination by denying gender-affirming medical treatments to transgender minors under the age of 19.

The complaint details that UPMC Children’s Hospital ceased to provide gender-affirming care such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy to transgender patients, while similar treatments continue to be available for cisgender patients with other medical conditions. The legal advocates argue that gender-affirming care is not only legal in Pennsylvania but also endorsed by 20 major medical associations across the United States, citing significant benefits in reducing depression and anxiety among transgender individuals.

This legal challenge comes in the wake of a recent Supreme Court ruling in United States v. Skrmetti, which upheld a Tennessee law restricting certain medical treatments for transgender youth. The Court ruled that the law was constitutionally sound as it was rationally related to legitimate state interests, including the protection of minors' health, safety, and welfare.

The discontinuation of gender-affirming care by UPMC Children's on June 30 has been met with increased scrutiny, especially following a series of subpoenas issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on July 9. These subpoenas targeted over 20 doctors and clinics involved in transgender medical procedures for children, investigating potential healthcare fraud and other violations.

In response to the legal pressures and administrative actions, UPMC issued a statement highlighting the complexities faced under the current administration's directives. The hospital emphasized its commitment to continue providing essential behavioral health support and other necessary medical services within the legal framework, while striving to protect the confidentiality of the physician/patient relationship.

This ongoing legal battle underscores the tension between state laws, federal actions, and the rights of transgender individuals, spotlighting a critical debate on the accessibility of healthcare and anti-discrimination protections within the United States.