Children’s Minnesota resists federal subpoena for private health records of patients

May 7, 2026 - 01:07

The Minneapolis-based hospital system is pushing back against a federal subpoena that seeks private medical records of its patients, accusing the Trump administration of overstepping its authority in a broader effort to end pediatric transgender healthcare.

Children's Minnesota confirmed it received the subpoena from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which is investigating the hospital's treatment of transgender youth. The hospital has refused to comply, arguing that the demand violates patient privacy and exceeds the government's legal reach. In a statement, the provider said it would "vigorously defend" the confidentiality of its patients' records, calling the subpoena an intrusion into protected medical decisions.

The dispute is part of a larger federal campaign targeting gender-affirming care for minors. The Trump administration has moved to restrict such treatments, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, through executive orders and regulatory changes. Critics say the subpoena is an attempt to intimidate healthcare providers and chill access to care. Legal experts note that federal health privacy laws, such as HIPAA, generally shield patient records from broad government fishing expeditions unless a specific criminal or civil violation is alleged.

Children's Minnesota serves a diverse population and has been a regional leader in pediatric transgender services. The hospital's refusal to hand over records could lead to a court battle over the limits of executive power and medical privacy. Advocates for transgender rights have praised the hospital's stance, while opponents of gender-affirming care argue that the government has a right to investigate potential violations of federal law. No court date has been set, but the case is expected to test the balance between patient confidentiality and federal oversight.