Planned Parenthood Faces Scrutiny over Testosterone Prescriptions for Minors

An undercover investigation by the pro-life group Live Action revealed that Planned Parenthood facilities are willing to prescribe testosterone and other cross-sex hormones to minors, including a journalist posing as a 16-year-old girl, often with minimal medical oversight or prior mental health screening. Staff at seven of 33 contacted locations, including those in Minnesota, New York, and Oregon, offered to prescribe hormones during the first appointment, even via virtual visits, with some assuring same-day prescription fulfillment at local pharmacies. Five facilities reportedly stated that no prior therapy or medical documentation was required before starting hormone therapy. Live Action President Lila Rose condemned these practices as dangerous and equated them to child abuse due to the irreversible effects of hormone treatments, such as sterilization and stunted growth. She also called on Congress to defund Planned Parenthood, which receives over $700 million in federal funding annually. Critics argue that the lax enforcement of policies intended to protect minors exposes vulnerable children to potentially harmful medical interventions without sufficient safeguards.