Case: Seattle Children's Hospital v. United States Department of Justice

2:25-mc-00041 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

Filed Date: July 8, 2025

Case Ongoing

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Case Summary

On July 8, 2025, plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital--a preeminent national juvenile healthcare provider--filed this motion in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington to modify or set aside a Department of Justice (DOJ) Subpoena which sought the medical records, billing information, personal identities, and family identities of every minor over the past five years who received gender-affirming care--approximately 3,1000 minor patients in total. The subpoena also sought pers…

On July 8, 2025, plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital--a preeminent national juvenile healthcare provider--filed this motion in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington to modify or set aside a Department of Justice (DOJ) Subpoena which sought the medical records, billing information, personal identities, and family identities of every minor over the past five years who received gender-affirming care--approximately 3,1000 minor patients in total. The subpoena also sought personnel files of every doctor, nurse, and other healthcare provider who treated such patients. DOJ did not allege that plaintiffs violated any federal law, rather, DOJ served the subpoena pursuant to President Trump's Executive Order 14187, "Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation," because they knew plaintiffs provided gender-affirming care and thus "might" have relevant information. This Executive Order castigates gender-affirming care for minors and authorizes DOJ to investigate healthcare providers to ensure federal funds are not used for gender-affirming care to minors. Plaintiffs alleged that DOJ improperly issued the subpoena for partisan reasons, that seeking personnel files and patient information was an irrelevant fishing expedition, and that the subpoena was improperly issued under 18 U.S.C. § 3486, which confers authority to issue subpoenas only to the Attorney General. This motion is before U.S. District Judge John H. Chun.

Also on July 8, 2025, plaintiffs filed a motion to seal the docket, arguing that public disclosure would deter minors from seeking out crucial gender-affirming care.

On September 3, 2025, Judge Chun granted plaintiffs motion to quash the subpoena, holding that DOJ had not established a prima facie case that its subpoena was issued with a realistic expectation it would uncover information relevant to a federal healthcare offense. Judge Chun also granted plaintiffs' motion to seal the docket for the same reason, and because public disclosure would deter prospective and current minor patients from seeking gender-related care. 

On October 1, 2025, DOJ filed a motion to alter or amend the September 3 judgment, arguing that the court erred in determining that DOJ was not investigating plaintiffs for a federal health care violation. Plaintiffs filed their response on October 16, 2025, arguing that DOJ had not identified any new facts in their motion. 

On December 10, 2025, plaintiffs filed an unopposed motion to unseal the docket due to ongoing litigation in QueerDoc, PLLC v. U.S. Department of Justice, No. 2:25-mc-42 (W.D. Wash. Oct. 27, 2025). DOJ appealed on an expedited basis to the Ninth Circuit in QueerDoc, and absent unsealing the docket, the Ninth Circuit would be unaware of the Seattle Children's subpoena, these proceedings, and the order in this case. Furthermore, because of the way the proceedings developed, unsealing the docket would not identify any specific Seattle Children's patients, family members, or workforce members, but would allow Seattle Children's to augment their argument in QueerDoc. Judge Chun granted plaintiffs motion to unseal on December 11, 2025. 

On January 28, 2026, plaintiffs filed a motion of supplemental authority, alerting Judge Chun that subpoenas in a similar case, In re 2025 Subpoena to Children's National Hospital, 2026 WL 160792, (D. Md. Jan. 21, 2026), were quashed. 

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Nick Martire (2/9/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72027107/parties/seattle-childrens-hospital-v-united-states-department-of-justice/


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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

2:25-mc-00041

Motion to Set Aside or Modify Supoena

Seattle Children's Hospital v. Untied States Department of Justive

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
25

2:25-mc-00041

Order Granting Motions to Set Aside Subpoena and to Seal Docket

In Re: Subpoena Duces Tecum No. 2501431-016

Sept. 3, 2025

Sept. 3, 2025

Order/Opinion

2025 WL 3562151

29

2:25-mc-00041

Government's Motion to Alter or Amend the Judgment

Oct. 1, 2025

Oct. 1, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief
40

2:25-mc-00041

Seattle Children's Hospital's Notice of Supplemental Authority

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

Pleading / Motion / Brief
40

2:25-mc-00041

Seattle Children's Hospital's Notice of Supplemental Authority

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/72027107/seattle-childrens-hospital-v-united-states-department-of-justice/

Last updated March 2, 2026, 12:17 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

MOTION to Set Aside or Modify Subpoena filed by Plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital. Oral Argument and Evidentiary Hearing Requested. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet, # 2 PROPOSED Order Motion to Set Aside or Modify Subpoena) Noting Date 7/30/2025. (MIH) (Main document and attachments 1-2 unsealed per order on 12/11/25) (RE) (Entered: 07/08/2025)

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Clearinghouse
2

DECLARATION of Christopher Manning, Esq in re 1 MOTION Set Aside or Modify Subpoena (Attachments: # 1 Exhibits in Support of Declaration Including Subpoena)(MIH) (Main Document 2 and attachment 1 unsealed per order on 12/11/25) (RE). (Entered: 07/08/2025)

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

3

DECLARATION of Jeffrey G Ojemann MD in re 1 MOTION to Set Aside or Modify Subpoena. (MIH) (Main Document 3 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/08/2025)

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

4

MOTION to Seal Docket filed by Plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital. (Attachments: # 1 PROPOSED Order to Seal) Noting Date 7/30/2025. (MIH) (Main Document 4 and attachment 1 unsealed per order on 12/11/25) (RE). (Entered: 07/08/2025)

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

5

CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT identifying sole voting member Seattle Children's Healthcare System for Seattle Children's Hospital. Filed pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P 7.1(a)(1). Filed by Seattle Children's Hospital. (MIH) (Main Document 5 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/08/2025)

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

FILING FEE RECEIVED: $ 52.00, receipt number SEA 200007897. (RE)

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

6

LETTER to Filer re case number and Judge assignment. (MIH)(cc Attorney Jeffrey Coopersmith via USPS) (Main Document 6 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/09/2025)

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

7

APPLICATION OF ATTORNEY Dana B. Kinel FOR LEAVE TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE for Plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital, In Re Seattle Children's Hospital (Receipt No. SEA 200007951) (HH) (Main Document 7 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/14/2025)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

8

APPLICATION OF ATTORNEY Patrick C. Hynds FOR LEAVE TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE for Plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital, In Re Seattle Children's Hospital (Receipt No. SEA 200007950) (HH) (Main Document 8 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/14/2025)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

9

APPLICATION OF ATTORNEY David M. Zinn FOR LEAVE TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE for Plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital, In Re Seattle Children's Hospital (Receipt No. Sea 200007954) (HH) (Main Document 9 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/14/2025)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

10

APPLICATION OF ATTORNEY Jennifer Gourley Wicht FOR LEAVE TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE for Plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital, In Re Seattle Children's Hospital (Receipt No. Sea 200007955) (HH) (Main Document 10 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/14/2025)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

11

APPLICATION OF ATTORNEY Amy Mason Saharia FOR LEAVE TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE for Plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital, In Re Seattle Children's Hospital (Receipt No. SEA 200007952) (HH) (Main Document 11 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/14/2025)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

12

APPLICATION OF ATTORNEY Christopher Manning FOR LEAVE TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE for Plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital, In Re Seattle Children's Hospital (Receipt No. Sea 200007953) (HH) (Main Document 12 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/14/2025)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

13

ORDER re 8 Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice, 12 Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice, 7 Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice, 10 Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice, 9 Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice, 11 Application for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. The Court ADMITS Attorneys Dana B. Kinel,Patrick Hynds,David Micheal Zinn,Jennifer Gourley Wicht,Amy Mason Saharia, and Christopher Nicholas Manning for Plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital, and Subpoena recipient Seattle Children's Hospital, by Clerk Ravi Subramanian. No document associated with this docket entry, text only.NOTE TO COUNSEL: Local counsel agrees to sign all filings and to be prepared to handle the matter, including the trial thereof, in the event the applicant is unable to be present on any date scheduled by the court, pursuant to LCR 83.1(d). cc PHV attorneys and their local counsel via USPS. (HH) Modified to add method of notice on 7/30/2025 (HH). (Entered: 07/14/2025)

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

14

NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Scott B Dahlquist B. Scott on behalf of Defendant United States Department of Justice. (APH) Modified on 7/30/2025 to correct typo (CDA). (Main Document 14 replaced on 7/30/2025 with correct image) (CDA). (Main Document 14 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/17/2025)

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

15

NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Patrick R. Runkle on behalf of Defendant United States Department of Justice. (APH) (Main Document 15 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/17/2025)

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

16

NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Ross S Goldstein S. Ross on behalf of Defendant United States Department of Justice. (APH) Modified on 7/30/2025 correct typo (CDA). (Main Document 16 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/17/2025)

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

17

RESPONSE, by Defendant United States Department of Justice, to 4 MOTION to Seal. (APH) (Main Document 17 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/17/2025)

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

18

RESPONSE, by Defendant United States Department of Justice, to Plaintiff's 1 MOTION to Quash. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A) (APH) (Main Document 18 and attachment 1 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/23/2025)

July 22, 2025

July 22, 2025

19

NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Steven W Fogg on behalf of Plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital. (APH) (Main Document 19 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/28/2025)

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

20

REPLY, filed by Plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital, TO RESPONSE to 4 MOTION to Seal. (APH) (Main Document 20 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/28/2025)

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

21

DECLARATION of Christopher N. Manning filed by Plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital re 4 MOTION to Seal. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 23, # 2 Exhibit 24, # 3 Exhibit 25, # 4 Exhibit 26, # 5 Exhibit 27, # 6 Exhibit 28) (APH) (Main Document 21 and attachments 1-6 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/28/2025)

July 25, 2025

July 25, 2025

22

REPLY, filed by Plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital, TO RESPONSE to 1 MOTION to Quash (LH) (Main Document 22 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/30/2025)

July 28, 2025

July 28, 2025

23

Notice of Filing Deficiency re 15 Notice of Appearance, 14 Notice of Appearance. ***Action Required*** Attorney Admission.See attached letter for more information and instructions. cc Attorneys via US Mail (including non-admitted attorneys Dahlquist and Runkle)(CDA) (Main Document 23 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 07/30/2025)

July 30, 2025

July 30, 2025

24

NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Scott B Dahlquist on behalf of Defendant United States Department of Justice. (APH) (Main Document 24 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 08/06/2025)

Aug. 6, 2025

Aug. 6, 2025

25

ORDER granting Seattle Children's 4 Motion to Seal Docket and 1 MOTION to Set Aside or Modify Subpoena. Signed by Judge John H. Chun. (APH) (cc: all counsel via USPS) (Main Document 25 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 09/03/2025)

Sept. 3, 2025

Sept. 3, 2025

Clearinghouse
26

GOVERNMENT'S NOTICE of Eastern District of Pennsylvania Order to Disclose Litigation ; filed by Defendant United States Department of Justice. (RE) (Main Document 26 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 09/04/2025)

Sept. 3, 2025

Sept. 3, 2025

27

GOVERNMENT'S UNOPPOSED MOTION for Limited Unsealing to Share Opinion in Camera with Sister Court, filed by Defendant United States Department of Justice. (Attachments: # 1 PROPOSED Order Granting Unopposed Motion for Partial Unsealing) Noting Date 9/23/2025. (RE) (Main Document 27 and attachment 1 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 09/23/2025)

Sept. 23, 2025

Sept. 23, 2025

28

ORDER granting Defendant's 27 UNOPPOSED MOTION for Limited Unsealing. Signed by Judge John H. Chun. (APH) (Main Document 28 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 09/25/2025)

Sept. 24, 2025

Sept. 24, 2025

RECAP
29

GOVERNMENT'S MOTION to Alter or Amend the Judgment, filed by Defendant United States Department of Justice. (Attachments: # 1 PROPOSED Order Granting Motion to Alter or Amend the Judgment) Noting Date 10/22/2025. (RE) (Main Document 29 and attachment 1 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 10/01/2025)

1 PROPOSED Order Granting Motion to Alter or Amend the Judgment

View on RECAP

Oct. 1, 2025

Oct. 1, 2025

Clearinghouse
30

DECLARATION of Lisa Hsiao filed by Defendant United States Department of Justice re 29 Government's Motion to Alter or Amend the Judgment. (RE) (Main Document 30 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 10/01/2025)

Oct. 1, 2025

Oct. 1, 2025

31

SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL'S OPPOSITION to the Government's Motion to Alter or Amend the Judgment, filed by Plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital, to 29 Government's Motion to Alter or Amend the Judgment. (RE) (Main Document 31 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 10/16/2025)

Oct. 16, 2025

Oct. 16, 2025

32

GOVERNMENT'S REPLY in Support of its Motion to Alter or Amend the Judgment, filed by Defendant United States Department of Justice re 29 Government's Motion to Alter or Amend the Judgment. (RE) (Main Document 32 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 10/22/2025)

Oct. 22, 2025

Oct. 22, 2025

33

NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Patrick Runkle on behalf of Defendant United States Department of Justice. (RE) (Main Document 33 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 10/23/2025)

Oct. 22, 2025

Oct. 22, 2025

34

SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL'S NOTICE of Supplemental Authority, filed by Plaintiff/Movant Seattle Children's Hospital. (RE) (Main Document 34 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 10/31/2025)

Oct. 30, 2025

Oct. 30, 2025

35

GOVERNMENT'S NOTICE of Supplemental Authority, filed by Defendant United States Department of Justice. (RE) (Main Document 35 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 11/18/2025)

Nov. 14, 2025

Nov. 14, 2025

36

SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL'S NOTICE of Supplemental Authority, filed by Plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibits 1-3) (RE) (Main Document 36 and attachment 1 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 11/26/2025)

Nov. 26, 2025

Nov. 26, 2025

37

SEATTLE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL'S MOTION to Unseal Docket, filed by Plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital. (Attachments: # 1 PROPOSED Order Granting Seattle Children's Hospital's Motion to Unseal Docket) Noting Date 12/10/2025. (RE) (Main Document 37 and attachment 1 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 12/10/2025)

Dec. 10, 2025

Dec. 10, 2025

38

ORDER Granting Seattle Children's Hospital's Motion to Unseal Docket re 37 MOTION to Unseal Docket. Having considered the records and files herein, and having determined that the requested relief is warranted, the Court, now, therefore, ORDERS that Seattle Children's Motion to Unseal Docket is GRANTED; FURTHER ORDERS that the Clerk unseal the docket in this action. Signed by Judge John H. Chun. (RE) (Main Document 38 unsealed per order on 12/11/2025) (RE). (Entered: 12/11/2025)

Dec. 11, 2025

Dec. 11, 2025

39

NOTICE of Supplemental Authority by Plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3)(Coopersmith, Jeffrey) (Entered: 01/06/2026)

1 Exhibit 1

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit 2

View on RECAP

3 Exhibit 3

View on RECAP

Jan. 6, 2026

Jan. 6, 2026

RECAP
40

NOTICE of Supplemental Authority by Plaintiff Seattle Children's Hospital (Coopersmith, Jeffrey) (Entered: 01/28/2026)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

Clearinghouse

Case Details

State / Territory:

Washington

Case Type(s):

Privacy

Healthcare Access and Reproductive Issues

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: July 8, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Plaintiff is Seattle Children's Hospital

Public Interest Lawyer: No

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Defendant Type(s):

Law-enforcement

Case Details

Other Dockets:

Western District of Washington 2:25-mc-00041

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Sought:

Stay of government action

Relief Granted:

Declaratory Judgment

Source of Relief:

Litigation

Issues

Medical/Mental Health Care:

Gender-affirming care