Washington Releases Data on Pediatric Diagnoses
A new report tracks state diagnosis trends for minors as families navigate changing local care options.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Teens
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A recent Manhattan Institute report indicates that 15,437 Washington minors received transgender-related diagnoses between 2017 and 2023. As state voters prepare for ballot measures concerning parental rights and sports eligibility on November 3, 2026, these findings highlight shifting healthcare utilization patterns across the state.
Why it matters
Understanding these diagnostic trends is increasingly relevant for families navigating pediatric healthcare, especially as specialized clinics like the one at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital have closed. The shifts in service access and local policy debates emphasize the complexity of current medical landscape decisions for parents.
An analysis of a Washington insurance database measured 15,437 minor diagnoses from 2017 to 2023, noting a 1.73 percent diagnosis rate for girls in 2022 compared to 0.8 percent for boys. The specific factors driving regional variations, such as the 2.43 percent rate in ZIP codes beginning with 986, remain under investigation.
The players
Manhattan Institute
A policy research organization that tracks trends in social and healthcare policy.
Mary Bridge Children's Hospital
A regional pediatric healthcare provider that recently ceased specific gender-related clinical services.
The details
The report highlights diagnostic trends identified within a Washington insurance database covering a six-year period. These findings coincide with institutional shifts, including the January 2026 closure of the pediatric gender clinic at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, which cited concerns regarding federal enforcement and potential funding risks for Medicare and Medicaid. Many patients historically served by such local institutions have sought care in Portland, Oregon.
Timeline
2017-2023: Period of the Manhattan Institute analysis.
January 2026: Mary Bridge Children's Hospital closed its pediatric gender clinic.
October 13, 2026: Camas girls' cross-country team protest.
November 3, 2026: Date of Washington ballot measures vote.
Health Landscape
Current diagnosis trends follow a long-term pattern of identification and coding shifts observed since the 2013 publication of the DSM-5. This data reflects a broader evolution in how pediatric healthcare systems and insurance databases track gender-related care.
Families navigating healthcare access should consult their primary care providers about available local resources given recent regional clinic closures. If you have questions regarding specific health diagnoses or care pathways, these are best addressed through a conversation with a qualified physician.
The takeaway
Understanding regional shifts in clinical care availability is a critical step for parents monitoring their child's healthcare needs. If you are concerned about access or diagnostic support, schedule a consultation with your pediatrician to discuss available resources in your local area.
What happens next
Washington voters will cast ballots on November 3, 2026, regarding measures that may impact parental rights and school sports eligibility.
Further reading
For broader insight into adolescent health, see the Teens section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Post Millennial.
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