Physician groups request DOJ investigate those targeting of pediatric trans care

National physician groups are now asking the Department of Justice to investigate threats to children’s hospitals over care for transgender teens. The clinic at Vanderbilt is just one of several that have been targeted by far-right activists.

More: Vanderbilt is the latest target in a far-right campaign against transgender health clinics

A conservative news website published what it called an “expose” last month on the pediatric transgender health clinic at Vanderbilt. It implied children are being rushed into hormone therapy and surgeries like breast removal.

Vanderbilt has said it follows accepted clinical guidelines, but Republican politicians began a campaign to shut down the clinic or at least limit its services. Similar episodes, often based on misinformation, have played out in Boston, Akron and Seattle.

More: Republican lawmakers threaten new restrictions unless Vanderbilt commits not to perform gender transition surgeries on minors

In a letter dated Oct. 3, several national physician groups, including the American Medical Association, ask Attorney General Merrick Garland to investigate those provoking and coordinating the threats. They point out that some providers have needed 24/7 security to deal with harassing emails and phone calls as well as protests at health care sites.

So far, Vanderbilt has not confirmed any direct threats. But in Boston, one bomb hoax led to an arrest.