Full Breakdown
Protests Erupt Over Cuts to Gender-Affirming Care in Michigan and Washington
9/12/2025, 12:59:02 PM
Core Event: Michigan Medicine and Corewell Health End Gender-Affirming Care for Minors
In September 2025, significant protests erupted in response to Michigan Medicine and Corewell Health's decisions to cease gender-affirming care for individuals under 19. Michigan Medicine announced on August 25 that it would no longer provide hormonal therapies or puberty blockers, citing a federal subpoena and "escalating external threats and risks." This decision prompted over 100 students and community advocates to rally outside the University of Michigan medical campus on September 11, expressing outrage and demanding the reinstatement of care.
Corewell Health, one of Michigan's largest health systems, followed suit, stating on September 11 that it would also stop prescribing puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors due to "serious risk of legal and regulatory action." Both health systems' decisions align with a broader trend across the United States, where at least 21 hospitals have terminated gender-affirming care for minors amid federal investigations and pressure from the Trump administration.
Background & Context: Federal Pressure and Legal Risks
The decisions by Michigan Medicine and Corewell Health are set against a backdrop of increasing federal scrutiny of gender-affirming care for minors. In January 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at enforcing laws that limit gender transition for individuals under 18. This order led to the U.S. Department of Justice issuing subpoenas to various healthcare providers involved in transgender medical procedures for minors. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that medical professionals would be held accountable for what she termed "mutilation" under the guise of gender-affirming care.
Criticism & Opposition: Community Outrage and Advocacy
The cessation of gender-affirming care has drawn sharp criticism from community leaders and advocates. Rhea Chappell, co-chair of the Huron Valley Democratic Socialists of America, condemned the university's compliance with federal policies, stating, "We have seen time and time again that institutions like Michigan Medicine... will not protect us from the Trump administration’s agenda." Parents of transgender youth, such as Kami Michels, expressed deep frustration, arguing that the decisions jeopardize the health and well-being of their children. "You are putting kids’ lives at risk," Michels asserted during the protest.
In Washington, similar sentiments were echoed as MultiCare Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital announced it would stop accepting new gender-affirming patients, citing federal pressure. Local activists organized a rally to protest this decision, emphasizing the importance of access to life-saving care for transgender youth.
Official Statements & Responses
Mary Masson, senior director of public relations at Michigan Medicine, acknowledged the impact of the decision, stating, "We recognize the gravity and impact of this decision for our patients and our community." Corewell Health reiterated its commitment to addressing the health needs of patients in transition, emphasizing mental health support while discontinuing hormone therapies.
What's Next: Continued Advocacy and Future Protests
As protests continue, further demonstrations are planned, including a second rally on September 18 in Ann Arbor. Advocacy groups remain committed to fighting for the rights of transgender youth, with calls for reinstating gender-affirming care across Michigan facilities. The situation reflects a growing national debate over the rights and healthcare access for transgender individuals, particularly minors, amid shifting political landscapes.
