University of Michigan Halts Transgender Hormone Therapy for Minors
On Monday, the University of Michigan announced it would stop providing transgender hormone therapy and puberty blockers to minors. This decision comes in response to receiving a federal subpoena.
The medical facility associated with the university mentioned that “external threats and risks” were factors influencing this halt, as minors can no longer access “gender-affirming hormone therapy and adolescent blockers.” This was part of a statement regarding the federal investigation into these procedures.
Michigan Medicine chose not to comment on the subpoena when approached by media outlets. Additionally, the Department of Justice has not responded to inquiries related to this matter.
Earlier, Michigan Medicine had secured substantial funding, receiving $482.8 million from the National Institutes of Health in 2023, making its medical school rank 11th in federal research funding. Despite this, the institution had been providing transgender procedures to minors, even amidst pressures from the previous administration.
Interestingly, the university’s medical center had received a top score from the Human Rights Campaign, assessing it as inclusive in its healthcare equality practices for the LGBTQ+ community.
Under the Trump administration, various health facilities have faced increasing scrutiny concerning procedures for minors. In June, reports emerged of investigations into hospitals in Massachusetts, Colorado, and California regarding practices like hormone replacement therapy and sex reassignment surgeries.
The Department of Health and Human Services previously released a review alleging that child gender transition surgeries lack adequate scientific and ethical backing, outlining potential serious risks tied to these interventions.
The Michigan Medicine site lists various other services available for adults, including plastic surgery and speech pathology.
The University of Michigan acknowledged the significance of this decision and its impact on patients and their families, expressing a commitment to supporting the well-being of those affected.
