We, the undersigned Seattle Children’s technical workers and members of the community, unequivocally condemn the hospital’s decision to postpone gender-affirming surgeries for trans children. This decision is not just an abandonment of our mission, it directly undermines the quality of patient care that we, the workers, are committed to providing.

In its public appeals to patients, Seattle Children’s vows “to help every child live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible.” That statement does not say every child except trans children. That statement says “every child.” By denying them necessary medical care, the hospital is failing its own commitments to the patients, families, and community we serve.

Failure to provide this care, which is supported by all major medical organizations, will cause needless pain and suffering for some of our most vulnerable patients.  

The administrators say they halted surgeries in response to President Donald Trump’s January 28 Executive Order restricting access to gender-affirming care; however, that order does not go into effect until March 29. In the spirit of the Hospital’s mission, hospital administration should resist such inhumane, unethical and harmful directives and instead join the growing number of organizations challenging this order in court.  

In other public statements, hospital administrators have suggested that failing to comply with this federal order could put other forms of patient care at risk due to potential loss of funding. This rationale pits children against children. Trans children are not expendable. It also sends a chilling message to all our patients and staff: If the administration is willing to abandon trans children in the face of political pressure, then who will they abandon next?

We demand an immediate reversal of this decision so that we can continue to do our jobs and provide the world-class patient care that every child deserves. If the administration refuses to reinstate gender-affirming surgeries for trans children, we are prepared to take further action to hold Seattle Children’s accountable to the values it claims to uphold. Additionally, we are calling on Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown to investigate the hospital for potential violations of Washington state law against gender discrimination.  

We urge all Seattle Children’s employees and members of our community to join us in this demand. Add your name and stand with us in defense of our patients, our profession, and our values.