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For years, the Family Institute of Connecticut warned that puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and gender-transition surgeries could seriously harm children. Connecticut’s political and medical leaders often ignored those warnings. They called these treatments safe, effective and even “lifesaving.” Now Connecticut Children’s Medical Center has agreed to stop providing them to minors.
On August 5, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice announced an agreement with Connecticut Children’s. Under the agreement, the hospital will not give puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones, or perform gender-transition surgeries, on patients under 18.
The hospital also agreed to pay a monetary penalty. The amount has not been made public. In addition, Connecticut Children’s will provide $500,000 in medical care for people suffering harmful effects from gender-transition treatments.
That fact deserves attention. Connecticut families were told these treatments were safe and necessary. Now the state’s leading children’s hospital is setting aside half a million dollars to care for people harmed by them. NBC Connecticut, WFSB and CT Insider all reported on the agreement.
FIC raised concerns about these treatments long before the settlement. In March 2025, FIC Director of Public Policy Leslie Wolfgang submitted official testimony to the Connecticut General Assembly. She specifically named the hospital:
“Connecticut Children’s Hospital and Hartford Healthcare have been documented to have performed sex change operations as part of ‘gender affirming care.’”
Wolfgang also warned lawmakers about serious possible harms, including permanent infertility, weak bones, limited sexual development and delayed emotional development. Connecticut officials cannot honestly say they were never warned. FIC placed these concerns in the official legislative record months before Connecticut Children’s announced that it was closing its program.
In July 2025, Connecticut Children’s first announced that it was winding down its gender program for patients under 19. FIC called the decision “a huge win against the mutilation of children in Connecticut.”
NBC Connecticut interviewed Leslie Wolfgang about the announcement. She said:
“I’m glad that he made the bold move to encourage hospitals to reconsider their policies and to stop funding for those procedures and for hospitals if they provided that type of treatment.”
FIC Executive Director Peter Wolfgang also spoke to CT Insider. He said the hospital’s medical offerings “did not save lives and their effectiveness was always dubious.”
“A more careful look was warranted,” Peter said, “and we are pleased the President’s efforts are making Connecticut a safer place for children and families.”
One year later, those words look even more important. Connecticut Children’s has now signed a federal agreement to stop these procedures on minors.
FIC did not raise these concerns without reason. The Cass Review in England found weak evidence to support the routine use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for children. Several European countries also adopted more careful policies. The claimed benefits remain uncertain, but many of the risks are serious. These treatments can affect fertility, sexual function, bone health and normal physical development. Some changes can be permanent.
Children experiencing distress about their sex deserve compassion and careful counseling. They should receive treatment for depression, anxiety, trauma, autism or any other conditions that may be present. They should not be rushed onto a medical path they may not fully understand.
FIC does not claim that it produced the Justice Department settlement by itself. Federal officials conducted the investigation, and the Trump administration applied pressure that Connecticut’s leaders refused to apply. But FIC, our allies, including brave legislators and parents, deserve credit for helping turn the tide in Connecticut.
Leslie Wolfgang named Connecticut Children’s and warned lawmakers about the harms. Peter Wolfgang challenged claims that the treatments saved lives. FIC brought parents and injured families to the Capitol and opposed laws that protected providers from accountability. We spoke when speaking was unpopular.
Now Connecticut Children’s has agreed to stop.
The hospital still owes the public answers. How many children received these treatments? What injuries occurred? Why did the hospital agree to a penalty? Who will receive the $500,000 in medical care?
This settlement is a victory, but the work is not finished. Other Connecticut providers may still offer puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to minors. State laws still protect these providers from some investigations and lawsuits. FIC will continue to speak for children, parents and families.
With our members help and God’s continued Providence, we warned that a more careful look was needed. We were right.
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