What You Need to Know – and do – About the Criminal Subpoena for Trans Youth Medical Records
Shared from Human Rights Campaign
WHAT JUST HAPPENED
On May 7, 2026, the current administration persuaded a federal grand jury in Texas to issue a criminal subpoena to NYU Langone Hospital, demanding medical records of patients under 18 who received gender-affirming or related care between 2020 and 2026.
Grand jury subpoenas are secret by law. Unlike the civil subpoenas - where families had a chance to fight back in court - families may not know a criminal subpoena has been issued until after their records have already changed hands. It is possible that other hospitals have received similar subpoenas but are located in states that are not subject to a law requiring patient notification. It is possible that someone may not find out their child's medical record is at risk until it has already been turned over, which is why families need to act now.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR FAMILIES
Here is what we know:
There is no indication that parents or patients are targeted for criminal charges.
Courts have repeatedly rejected the administration's civil subpoenas as serving no legitimate purpose, and we expect to see legal challenges to criminal subpoenas as well.
GLAD Law and the National Center for LGBTQ Rights filed a class action on May 9, 2026 on behalf of eleven families to stop the DOJ's sweeping demands. Additional lawsuits challenging criminal subpoenas are expected.
The fight is not over, but individual court wins aren't enough. We need hospitals, state AGs, and families all pushing back together.
WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW
The folks at HRC put together a thorough resource document to help assist families in determining what steps they can take in response to this subpoena, which we have linked below. The resource includes templates for communications with healthcare providers and government leaders and a step by step guide for families, so take a moment to check it out if you are looking for actionable ways to support your family or other impacted families in our community.
ADVOCACY CONTACT
Adie Steckel
Deputy Director, Strategic Partnerships & Advocacy
e: asteckel@capnw.org
About Cascade AIDS Project
Founded in 1983 and incorporated in 1985 as Cascade AIDS Project, CAP is the oldest and largest community-based provider of HIV services, housing, education and advocacy in Oregon and Southwest Washington. We work to advance equity and access through inclusive health and wellness services for LGBTQ+ people, people affected by HIV, and all those seeking compassionate care. From Prism Health, our primary care and behavioral health clinics, to Our House, our long-term residential care facility for those living with HIV, we are proud to provide comprehensive programs that meet the individual care needs of our community.