A Texas doctor who blew the whistle on a hospital allegedly conducting gender-affirming care on minors is facing federal charges, drawing concerns over government overreach and the targeting of whistleblowers.
The Department of Justice has indicted Dr. Eithan Haim, a former surgeon at Texas Children's Hospital, on four felony charges related to alleged HIPAA violations. The indictment accuses Haim of attempting to re-activate his expired login credentials and obtaining unauthorized patient information. However, Haim maintains his innocence, claiming he acted as a whistleblower to report alleged illegal activities at the hospital.
Haim's actions stem from his leaking of documents to journalist Christopher Rufo in May 2023, which showed that Texas Children's Hospital was still conducting gender-affirming care on minors despite claiming it had been shut down. Haim alleges that the hospital implanted a hormone device in an 11-year-old girl three days after announcing the termination of transgender-related treatments and surgeries.
Texas Whistleblower Facing Charges for Exposing Gender-Affirming Care
Following the release of Haim's documents, the Texas legislature passed a law banning transgender medical interventions on minors. Despite this, Haim claims that the hospital continued to perform such procedures. However, Texas Children's Hospital denies these allegations.
Critics have raised concerns that the charges against Haim are politically motivated and constitute an attack on whistleblowers. Haim's attorney, Marcella Burke, has accused the government of overreach and misunderstanding HIPAA regulations. She believes her client will be exonerated in court.
Texas Whistleblower Facing Charges for Exposing Gender-Affirming Care
The indictment has also raised concerns for Haim's pregnant wife, Andrea. She fears that her husband may not be present for the birth of their child and the early stages of their daughter's life due to the pending charges.
The Haim family has spent significant resources on legal defense costs and has started a fundraiser to cover their expenses. Nikolas Lanum of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
Texas Whistleblower Facing Charges for Exposing Gender-Affirming Care
Meanwhile, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has maintained that gender-affirming care for children could constitute child abuse under state law. In February 2022, he issued an opinion supporting this view. However, this opinion has been met with controversy and opposition.
The case against Dr. Haim is expected to be closely watched by advocates for whistleblowers, children's rights, and the transgender community. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of gender-affirming care and the protection of those who speak out against alleged wrongdoing.
Texas Whistleblower Facing Charges for Exposing Gender-Affirming Care
