If you’ve tried to access the webpage for Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s transgender health care services recently, you may have been met with a 404 error page. The websites for both VUMC’s minor and adult clinics have been down, following attacks from a far-right podcaster and Republican elected officials.
Since they’ve come back online, the description for Vanderbilt’s Pediatric Transgender Clinic has changed to reflect a statement the hospital put out in response to backlash from conservatives. The new webpage for its pediatric services reiterates that it requires parental consent, and “welcomes parental involvement.”
The description now also says it is in accordance with state law and standards for medical care. The new page went up soon after Speaker Cameron Sexton and other House Republicans signed a letter, formally asking Vanderbilt to stop performing surgeries on transgender minors. The hospital has yet to respond.
A spokesperson for Vanderbilt did not offer additional comment on the updated website. The clinic remains open for transgender teens and adults.
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