Washington University Ceases to Prescribe Puberty Blockers and Cross-Sex Hormones to Minors

This week, Washington University officials announced that the school’s physicians will no longer provide gender transition medications to minors who could be eligible under a new Missouri law. The law, SB 49, banned physicians from providing puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to minors, unless the minors began treatment before August 28, the effective date of the bill. 

Washington University officials cited increased potential legal liability as the reason for ending prescriptions for all minors. The new law allows a patient to sue a medical provider for injury within 15 years of turning 21, or 15 years after the patient ceases treatment, whichever is later. While Washington University will no longer prescribe puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones to minors they will refer patients elsewhere. 

Washington University’s statement followed an announcement last month by University of Missouri Health Care that it would also stop providing puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to all minors due to the legal risk.