HHS probes hospital for firing nurse who refused to give minors transgender treatments
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is currently investigating a major pediatric teaching hospital over the alleged firing of a nurse who sought a religious exemption to avoid administering puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to children. The Acting HHS OCR Director, Anthony Archeval, has stated that the department will enforce federal laws protecting healthcare professionals who do not want to violate their religious beliefs or moral convictions.
Although the hospital’s identity has not been confirmed by HHS, it is believed to be Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) – the largest children’s hospital in the U.S. The investigation follows whistleblower nurse Vanessa Sivadge’s testimony on Capitol Hill. Sivadge first came forward publicly in June 2024 and was later fired in August 2024.
Sivadge shared disturbing trends and concerning practices related to the treatment of children diagnosed with gender dysphoria. She expressed witnessing the powerful and irreversible effects of treatments that patients were told were “lifesaving.” Sivadge revealed how doctors emotionally blackmailed parents by telling them that not affirming their child’s false identity would result in harm to the child.
Dr. Eithan Haim, another whistleblower who was accused of violating HIPAA while in surgical training at Baylor College of Medicine, also raised concerns about TCH lying about the existence of its transgender program. Haim alleged that the hospital engaged in fraudulent billing practices to hide the fact that it was performing transgender procedures on minors, which went against Texas law.
Sivadge’s attorney filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on April 11, detailing how TCH doctors quickly initiated children on dangerous and irreversible courses of gender-affirming treatment. The hospital temporarily paused such services following Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s statements in February 2022, and the treatments were ultimately banned in the state in May 2023.
President Donald Trump signed the “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation” order on Jan. 28, 2025, to prevent minors from undergoing transgender treatments. In light of this order, HHS has issued guidelines for prospective whistleblowers.
Fox News has reached out to TCH and HHS for comment on the ongoing investigation. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
