Story perspectives

Michigan Halts Gender-Affirming Care Amid Legal Pressures

9/12/2025

Center

Health System Halts Care

Corewell Health in Michigan has stopped gender-affirming care for minors due to legal risks linked to pressure from the Trump administration.
Michigan Medicine has also ceased such care for patients under 19.
Advocacy groups criticize this trend, arguing it harms transgender youth.
Protests at the University of Michigan reflect community frustration over the decision.
Major medical organizations emphasize the importance of gender-affirming care for youth with gender dysphoria.

Right

Judge Blocks DOJ Subpoena

A federal judge blocked the DOJ's subpoena for Boston Children's Hospital records, calling it a "bad faith" effort against gender-affirming care.
The judge noted the administration's disapproval of the transgender community and its intent to limit care access.
Boston Children’s Hospital faced criticism for performing 65 gender-transition surgeries on minors.
The DOJ's subpoena sought to investigate potential violations regarding puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones but was considered overly broad.
Other hospitals, like Philadelphia Children's Hospital, also received subpoenas and are contesting them in court.

History

Historical Context

The 2016 "Bathroom Bill" in North Carolina ignited national debates over transgender rights, leading to widespread backlash against similar laws. By 2021, over 200 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in the U.S. Amid ongoing legal battles, recent actions in Michigan and Boston reflect persistent challenges in securing gender-affirming care, threatening the well-being of transgender youth and highlighting societal divisions on gender identity.

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Health System Halts Care

Corewell Health in Michigan has stopped gender-affirming care for minors due to legal risks linked to pressure from the Trump administration.
Michigan Medicine has also ceased such care for patients under 19.
Advocacy groups criticize this trend, arguing it harms transgender youth.
Protests at the University of Michigan reflect community frustration over the decision.
Major medical organizations emphasize the importance of gender-affirming care for youth with gender dysphoria.

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