In response to a federal order threatening to pull funding from hospitals providing gender-affirming care to minors, Children’s Hospital Colorado and Denver Health have decided to resume offering specific services for transgender youth. The order, issued by President Donald Trump on January 28, criticized the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapy as “maiming and sterilizing” young children. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser joined a lawsuit attempting to block the order, resulting in a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration. The order, which multiple states have joined, was described as discriminatory against trans youth.
The decision to halt gender-affirming care by multiple health systems in Colorado was met with concern and fear from health care providers and transgender individuals, who highlighted the negative impact on the mental and physical health of transgender youth. Children’s Hospital Colorado and Denver Health announced their decision to resume services in response to the legal developments. While existing patients under 18 can now access care, gender-affirming surgeries for patients under 19 remain paused by Denver Health. UCHealth, on the other hand, does not offer gender-affirming services to individuals under 18.
Advocates for gender-affirming care emphasize the importance of these services in saving lives and call for an end to discriminatory practices. The legal battle surrounding the federal order continues, with the hope for positive change and the recognition of the importance of gender-affirming care in supporting the well-being of transgender individuals.
