New Federal Policies Threaten Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth in Wisconsin
In a move that has sparked controversy and concern, the Trump administration recently unveiled policies that could effectively eliminate gender-affirming care for transgender youth by targeting Medicaid and Medicare funding for hospitals that provide such services.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, who oversee Medicaid and Medicare, introduced new regulations last Thursday that would restrict hospitals and physicians receiving Medicaid or Medicare funds from offering gender-affirming treatments to young people, posing a significant challenge to the medical community.
Since taking office for a second term, President Donald Trump has prioritized limiting such care, beginning with an executive order aimed at halting federal support for youth gender transition procedures.
During a press briefing, Kennedy argued that gender-affirming care has caused “lasting physical and psychological damage” to vulnerable minors. Proposed measures include banning Medicaid from covering gender-affirming care for those under 18 and cutting off funding to hospitals offering pediatric transgender services.
Abigail Swetz, executive director of Fair Wisconsin, expressed grave concerns over the implications for hospitals, stating that they face a tough choice between providing essential care and staying operational. Swetz pointed out that such care is legal in Wisconsin and requires parental consent.
In response, UW Health is “evaluating” the new rules, while Children’s Wisconsin has yet to comment. The American Academy of Pediatrics opposes the measures, with President Susan J. Kressly stating, “Patients, their families and their physicians — not politicians or government officials — should be the ones to make decisions together about what care is best for them,” according to a statement.
Wisconsin legislators Sen. Melissa Ratcliff and Rep. Ryan Clancy, both parents of transgender youth, have criticized the administration’s approach. Ratcliff recounted her son’s positive experience with gender-affirming care, emphasizing its importance for his well-being. Clancy, with two trans-identifying children, condemned the administration’s tactics as bullying.
Despite the rules not being immediately enacted, they were recorded in the Federal Register on Friday, initiating a 60-day period for public comment. Legal battles are anticipated, with the American Civil Liberties Union vowing to challenge the regulations in court. Clancy warned that even the announcement could deter hospitals from offering care, stating, “My hope is that it will be struck down, but the damage to our children and families is already done.”
