Corewell Health Michigan Stops Gender-Affirming Care for Minors: What This Means for Families

Michigan’s Corewell Health has announced it will stop providing gender-affirming care to minors, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy. The decision aims to shield both healthcare providers and patients from potential legal issues. Corewell, Michigan’s largest health system, supports the mental health needs of those undergoing or wishing to undergo transitions, despite this significant change.

This trend isn’t isolated. Several health systems across the U.S. have made similar cuts following recent changes in federal policy. Earlier this year, an executive order by President Trump ended federal backing for gender-affirming care for minors. This order has prompted health insurers to reconsider coverage for puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and related surgeries.

In August, Michigan Medicine also ceased gender-affirming care after receiving a federal subpoena as part of an investigation. Meanwhile, McLaren Health—operating 12 hospitals—has not offered such care for some time. Henry Ford Health is still reviewing its position.

Michigan’s Attorney General, Dana Nessel, expressed disappointment in Corewell’s decision. Alongside other states, her office is challenging the federal government’s influence in health care decisions through ongoing lawsuits.

Erin Knott, executive director of Equality Michigan, voiced strong concerns. She pointed out this move reflects a broader issue: healthcare institutions retreating under political pressure. She stressed that gender-affirming care is still legal in Michigan and reaffirmed the commitment to fight for access and support for transgender youth.

The conversation about gender-affirming care has become more heated, particularly on social media. Users report feeling scared as healthcare systems face pressure to retreat from compassionate care. As these discussions continue, many organizations are rallying to ensure that personal healthcare decisions remain in the hands of families and their medical providers.

For more information on gender-affirming care and the implications of recent changes, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers resources that discuss the importance of affirming care for youth.

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Health, Transgender, Health Care, Michigan, Corewell Health