News Summary
Corewell Health, Michigan’s largest hospital system, announced it will no longer prescribe gender-affirming hormone therapy and puberty blockers to minors. This decision is driven by potential legal risks and reflects a broader trend among hospitals responding to regulatory scrutiny. While hormone therapy will cease, Corewell Health will continue providing mental health support for minors. The announcement has sparked backlash from advocacy groups and concerns about the impact on transgender youth’s health.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Corewell Health, the largest hospital system in Michigan, has announced that it will no longer prescribe gender-affirming hormone therapy and puberty blockers to minors. This decision is attributed to the “serious risk of legal and regulatory action” stemming from ongoing scrutiny surrounding such treatments.
The hospital’s official statement indicates that the move aims to protect both healthcare providers and patients. While ceasing hormone therapy, Corewell Health will continue to offer mental health support for minors undergoing gender transition.
Earlier this month, Corewell Health initially limited gender-affirming care by stating that new hormone therapy regimens would not be allowed for individuals under the age of 19. However, the hospital quickly reversed this decision and resumed offering hormone therapy for minors. As of now, the announcement marks a significant change in their care approach.
In August, it was reported that the University of Michigan health care system also decided to stop providing hormone therapy and puberty blockers for individuals under 19. This decision is part of a broader trend among hospitals across the nation, where at least 21 hospital systems have halted pediatric gender services as a response to increased legal and regulatory pressures.
The motivation behind these decisions can be traced back to pressures introduced during the Trump administration. Legal scrutiny began after the former president announced measures aimed at curbing what was labeled “gender ideology extremism,” which included signing an executive order to restrict federal funding for hospitals offering gender-affirming care to minors.
Recent developments have placed Corewell Health in a precarious position. Although the hospital itself is not currently under federal investigation, it is acutely aware of the potential legal risks involved in continuing to provide gender-affirming care. The Department of Justice has issued subpoenas to over 20 doctors and clinics regarding their provision of such treatments to minors, creating an atmosphere of concern within the healthcare community.
Michigan’s Attorney General has expressed disappointment with Corewell’s decision, asserting that capitulating to federal pressure creates a dangerous precedent. The Attorney General referenced Michigan law, which supports the provision of gender-affirming care, and warned that discontinuing these services could severely impact the health and well-being of patients.
According to reports, the state of Michigan is home to approximately 33,000 transgender adults and nearly 4,000 transgender youth. Advocacy groups have condemned Corewell’s choice as “devastating,” arguing that it leaves vulnerable youths without essential healthcare resources. This backlash reflects a growing concern over the impact such policies may have on the mental health and overall quality of life of transgender minors.
In the past, Corewell Health had recognized the importance of gender-affirming interventions, which have included not just hormone therapy but also mental health services and support for social transitions. Data shows a notable increase in minors in Michigan accessing hormone therapy since 2019, suggesting a significant demand for these services before the recent changes.
As Michigan grapples with the evolving legal landscape surrounding gender-affirming care, hospitals are closely evaluating their abilities to provide necessary treatments while conforming to existing laws and regulations. The decision by Corewell Health, coupled with that of the University of Michigan, raises critical questions about healthcare access for transgender children and the long-term implications of these legal and regulatory challenges.
The ongoing situation underscores the complexities that healthcare providers must navigate in offering gender-affirming care amid shifting political landscapes and public sentiment. As advocacy groups continue to push for sustainable access to healthcare, the future of gender-affirming treatments for minors in Michigan remains uncertain.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Michigan AG Condemns University of Michigan’s Halt on Gender-Affirming Care
Grand Rapids Hosts ACLU Civil Rights Discussion
Additional Resources
- WZZM 13
- Wikipedia: Gender-affirming care
- Wood TV
- Google Search: gender-affirming care for minors
- Crain’s Detroit
- Google Scholar: gender affirming healthcare
- Bridge Michigan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gender-affirming care
- Fox 17 Online
- Google News: Corewell Health gender affirming care
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
