Corewell Health will resume hormone therapy for transgender minors after a temporary pause following an executive order by President Donald Trump that threatened federal funding for hospitals providing such care to individuals under 19. The health system described the pause as "temporary," stating, "We briefly paused beginning these therapies to allow us time to assess the potential impact that recent policy changes might have on our patients and their health," as stated by Audacy.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and civil rights organizations raised concerns about access to gender-affirming care, warning that denying hormone treatments could violate state anti-discrimination laws. After Corewell decided to resume hormone therapy, Nessel issued guidance stating that "the availability of funding has no bearing on Michiganers’ right to seek and receive healthcare services without discrimination." She also noted that denying healthcare services based on perceived status could be considered discriminatory under state law, according to Metro Times.
Corewell Health's recent decision has been welcomed by equality advocates. Erin Knott, executive director of Equality Michigan, stated, "We see this decision as one that’s family-centered, equality-centered, and science-centered." She also expressed appreciation for Corewell's leadership, saying, "So we extend a thank you to the Corewell leadership team for righting the ship." The decision follows an open letter from more than 40 organizations, including Equality Michigan, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, and the NAACP Michigan State Conference, urging Corewell to restore care for transgender youths, as reported by Detroit Free Press.
A University of Washington study found that transgender individuals aged 13 to 20 who receive puberty blockers and hormone therapy are 60% less likely to experience moderate to severe depression and 73% less likely to engage in self-harm or suicidal behavior. Equality Michigan stated that Corewell's decision to support gender-affirming care could influence other healthcare systems. Meanwhile, legal challenges to President Trump’s executive order continue in federal court, with potential implications for healthcare policies nationwide, as mentioned by Metro Times.
