Michigan AG Criticizes University of Michigan’s Halt on Gender-Affirming Care

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has publicly condemned the University of Michigan hospital system’s recent decision to stop providing gender-affirming care for transgender youth, referring to the action as “ward disease” and possibly “illegal.”

On Monday, Michigan Medicine announced it would cease all gender-affirming care for patients under 19, aligning itself with a January executive order from Trump. The hospital stated that while they will not provide adolescent blockers and hormones, other healthcare services for transgender youth will continue.

According to a statement from the University Public Relations Department, Michigan Medicine was among several agencies that received subpoenas from the Department of Justice, which is investigating gender-related care for minors. The department revealed in July that over 20 subpoenas were sent to doctors and clinics involved with transgender medical procedures for children, as part of a probe into potential health fraud and false statements.

A subpoena was notably issued to the Philadelphia Children’s Hospital in June, demanding patient information and comprehensive records from physicians providing transition-related care for minors, and was made public last week in court.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Nessel criticized Michigan’s move to halt the prescription of blockers and hormones as a “coopathic acquiescence to political pressure.” She expressed that the decision to limit healthcare options for transgender patients is “embarrassing, dangerous, and potentially illegal.” Nessel emphasized that her office is exploring all legal avenues regarding the hospital’s decision and its compliance with state law.

“This administration is ready to surrender a significant amount of its power without a struggle, leaving behind its principles and jeopardizing a vulnerable population,” she stated. “Instead of standing firm, UM chose to protect itself from the backlash of an administration known for its illegal actions, putting the health and happiness of Michigan’s children at risk.”

Michigan Medicine has yet to respond to requests for comments.

Nessel, along with over a dozen Democratic Attorney Generals, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration following the executive order from January 28th. The suit argues that the administration is taking drastic measures to enforce orders that lack a legal foundation.

A federal judge temporarily blocked some of Trump’s directives in February, indicating that a coalition of transgender teenagers and LGBTQ organizations might have a strong case claiming those orders are illegal and discriminatory.

In an open letter addressed to healthcare providers and patients, Nessel stated, “The availability of federal funding does not exempt Michigan from providing medical services without discrimination.” She further pointed out that federal funding does not excuse healthcare facilities from their obligations to adhere to Michigan law.

“Denying medical services to individuals based on protected status, such as withholding services from transgender individuals based on gender identity, could be deemed discriminatory under Michigan law,” she added. Nessel strongly urged those seeking healthcare and providers to consult their legal advisors regarding the implications of federal efforts to restrict access to medical services.