PRESS STATEMENT

HMI Condemns DOJ’s Politicized Attack on Trans Youth Care

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 11 2025, NEW YORK, NY

As an LGBTQ+ youth-serving organization providing affirming mental health support to queer and trans young people, Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) is deeply alarmed by the recent subpoenas issued by the U.S. Department of Justice to clinics and providers offering gender-affirming care to minors. “These actions are a dangerous misuse of legal authority to threaten the very services that have been proven to save lives,” said Amy Harclerode, CEO of Hetrick-Martin Institute.

Decades of peer-reviewed research—and guidance from every major medical association—confirm that gender-affirming care, including puberty blockers and hormone treatments, significantly improves mental health outcomes and reduces depression and suicide risk among transgender youth. In 2023, the American Medical Association passed a resolution protecting evidence-based gender-affirming care, citing its positive impact on mental health and suicide prevention. Similar positions have been adopted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and many others.

At HMI, we strongly condemn this federal investigation as a politically motivated attempt to undermine medical autonomy and erode trust in evidence-based care. By targeting clinics that uphold the highest standards of confidentiality, clinical ethics, and patient-centered treatment, these subpoenas risk creating a chilling effect—intimidating providers and reducing access to essential services just when young people need them most.

HMI remains boldly committed to supporting queer and trans youth by fighting for empowering spaces, equitable systems, and the right to privacy and dignity in care. We stand firmly with these youth, defend their access to medically appropriate, individualized care, and stand in solidarity with our partners, supporting the providers whose dedication makes that care possible and enable our youth to thrive.

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For questions, contact:

Gino Hawley
HMI Marketing Communications
917-319-4079
ghawley@hmi.org

About Hetrick-Martin Institute

Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI) is the nation’s oldest LGBTQIA+ youth services organization, dedicated to helping queer and trans youth—primarily youth of color between the ages of 13 and 24—thrive. HMI provides free, long-term support through a comprehensive array of direct services—including mental health services, basic needs assistance, educational and career-readiness programming, and arts and culture opportunities—alongside referrals to trusted partner organizations. With a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, HMI continues to lead the way in youth development, while offering program models that inspire and inform other organizations nationwide.