Registered Nurse Vanessa Sivadge has been dismissed from her position at Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) for raising concerns about Medicaid fraud in a program that offers transition-related care to minors.
Sivadge had previously supported the testimony of Dr. Eithan Haim, who, as reported by the National Review, revealed a program that provided minors with puberty blockers and hormone treatment. This revelation sparked outrage among conservative circles, leading Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to initiate an investigation. In response, the state Legislature swiftly passed a ban related to this program.
In May 2023, Sivadge emerged as an anonymous whistleblower in a story published on Christopher F. Rufo’s Substack.
“I can attest to the truth of Dr. Haim’s report as I have personally witnessed patients being prescribed puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones in the endocrine clinic. Despite the hospital’s repeated denial of the program’s existence, this is a reality I have seen firsthand,” Sivadge stated on GiveSendGo, the website where she is seeking funds for her legal defense.
Days after Sivadge’s whistleblower story was published on Substack, Paxton initiated an investigation into the hospital’s gender-affirming care program to determine if any laws were violated, as stated on the Texas attorney general’s website.
“I have made it abundantly clear that any medical procedures related to ‘gender transitioning’ that cause harm to our children are considered child abuse according to Texas law,” stated Paxton. “There have been recent reports suggesting that Texas Children’s Hospital might be engaging in such procedures unlawfully, and my office is actively working to uncover the truth. I am fully dedicated to investigating any organization within our state to ensure the safety and protection of our children. Despite what some radical activists within the healthcare field may argue, it is important to remember that children should never be treated as mere subjects for scientific experimentation.”
State legislators quickly passed SB 14, a bill aimed at prohibiting these procedures for minors, in response to the controversy. The hospital, however, reportedly continued to carry out transgender medical interventions in secret.
Sivadge claims that the TCH is utilizing Medicaid to provide coverage for transgender treatments and cross-sex hormones.
Sivadge expressed her desire to step away from her role in the endocrine clinic and requested a transfer to a different department. Unfortunately, TCH rejected her transfer request and terminated her employment on August 16th.
Sivadge, in a statement on GiveSendGo, revealed that shortly after she bravely stepped forward as an anonymous supporter of Dr. Haim, she was confronted by two FBI agents at her residence. Sivadge recounted their alarming approach, stating, “They were aware of my staunch opposition to ‘gender-affirming care’ and attempted to enlist my assistance in exposing Dr. Haim. They made it clear that they possessed the power to disrupt my life and emphasized that my safety was contingent upon my cooperation. In that moment, I felt a wave of fear, intimidation, and sheer overwhelm.”
In a statement, Sivadge revealed that she has taken legal action against TCH after being terminated from her position. She has sought the assistance of legal counsel and is currently challenging the company in court.
“I greatly appreciate the kind-hearted individuals who are generously supporting my legal defense by making donations to my Give Send Go,” expressed Sivadge. “Your ongoing support in sharing my story not only helps in safeguarding the lives of innocent children but also serves as an inspiration for other whistleblowers, like myself, to step forward.”
