Letitia James, New York’s attorney general, has sent a clear message to hospitals across the state: Denying gender-affirming care to transgender youth isn’t just wrong—it’s against the law. This comes just days after the White House threatened to cut federal funding from hospitals providing these treatments.

In a letter sent Monday, James reminded healthcare providers of their obligations under New York’s anti-discrimination laws. The state prohibits withholding services from individuals based on their gender identity or diagnosis of gender dysphoria, especially when the same treatments are offered to others.

The warning follows an executive order from the White House last week that targeted hospitals offering puberty blockers and hormone treatments to transgender patients under 19. Shortly after, NYU Langone, a major New York City hospital, reportedly began canceling appointments for some transgender youth, according to families who spoke to The New York Times.

James’s letter puts hospitals in a tough spot: comply with the federal order and risk breaking state law, or continue offering care and potentially lose funding. As of now, NYU Langone hasn’t made any formal announcement about the cancellations, and a hospital spokesperson declined to comment on the attorney general’s letter.

This tension between federal and state authorities highlights a growing debate over transgender healthcare, with New York taking a firm stand to protect access to these vital services. Stay tuned as this story develops.