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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 15, 2026Miami-Dade

9th Circuit Court of Appeals allows Justice Department subpoena of gender-affirming care provider

A federal appeals court ruled that the Justice Department may proceed with a subpoena against telemedicine provider QueerDoc as part of an investigation into potential healthcare fraud. The 2-1 decision reverses a lower court ruling that had previously blocked the subpoena, stating that the President has the authority to align law enforcement priorities with policy goals.

gender-affirming carehealthcaresubpoenaDepartment of Justicejudicial rulingtransgender rights
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Why It Matters

This ruling establishes a legal precedent allowing the federal government to pursue investigations into providers, potentially impacting the privacy of patient medical records and the operational requirements for clinics nationwide.

Key Facts

  • The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that the Justice Department's subpoena of QueerDoc is not inherently improper.
  • The ruling reverses a lower court decision that had previously quashed the subpoena.
  • The case is remanded to the district court to consider additional arguments, such as whether the subpoena is overbroad or burdensome.
  • The subpoena demands QueerDoc's personnel files, billing documents, communications with drug manufacturers, and patient records regarding puberty blockers and hormone therapy.
  • The Justice Department claims it has reason to believe QueerDoc may be misleading the public regarding the side effects of puberty blockers and hormones.
  • The Department of Justice has issued more than 20 similar subpoenas to doctors and clinics providing gender-affirming care.
  • President Trump has issued an executive order seeking to end federal funding for gender-affirming care for patients under 19.
  • The court majority characterized the efficacy and long-term risks of gender-affirming treatments as an 'unsettled scientific debate.'
  • The ACLU, representing QueerDoc, stated it will continue to challenge the subpoena in district court.

Who's Mentioned

organizationJustice Department“Federal agency issuing subpoenas to gender-affirming care providers”other20“Number of subpoenas issued by the DOJ to doctors and clinics”personGeorge W. Bush“Former President who nominated Judge Carlos Bea”other19“Age threshold for federal funding restrictions on gender-affirming care”organization9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals“Appeals court that issued the 2-1 ruling”personAdrien Leavitt“ACLU attorney representing QueerDoc”personCarlos Bea“Judge who wrote the majority opinion”organizationQueerDoc“Telemedicine provider subject to the subpoena”personDaniel Bress“Judge who joined the majority opinion”personDonald Trump“President whose policy goals are being aligned with DOJ enforcement priorities”