University of Michigan Health ends gender-affirming care after DOJ subpoena

The University of Michigan’s statewide hospital network will stop providing medically necessary gender affirming health care service for minors, bowing to pressure from the administration of President Donald Trump.

The statewide hospital network received a subpoena as part of a criminal and civil investigation into gender-affirming care for minors, TPM reported.

“In light of that investigation, and given escalating external threats and risks, we will no longer provide gender affirming hormonal therapies and puberty blocker medications for minors,” University of Michigan Health said in a statement to TPM.

University of Michigan Health first received a subpoena from the Department of Justice in July, indicating that the DOJ was investigating doctors on suspicion of abusing their authority to prescribe medication, among other potential charges, the report says.

The FBI posted a tipline on X in June seeking the names of “any hospitals, clinics or practitioners” accused of “mutilating children under the guise of gender-affirming care.”

Gender-affirming care – which can include things like hormone therapy and puberty blocker medication – is considered by many medical experts to be medically necessary and potentially life-saving for transgender youth.

“Transgender young people deserve healthcare that is informed by science, compassion, and respect. Gender-affirming care is backed by rigorous research, expert consensus, and patient-centered values. Studies consistently show its positive impact, including improved mental health and overall quality of life,” states the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).

WPATH is an international organization of health professionals whose mission is to “promote evidence-based care, education, research, public policy, and respect in transgender health.”

They are joined by other major medical organizations in concluding that age-appropriate gender-affirming care is evidence-based and medically necessary, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the Endocrine Society.

University of Michigan Health said in its statement to TPM that they “recognize the gravity and impact of this decision” and are “working closely with all those impacted, and we will continuously support the well-being of our patients, their families and our teams.”

But that rings hollow for Equality Michigan Executive Director Erin Knott.

“Even in making this harmful decision, the University of Michigan appears to acknowledge the legitimacy and value of gender-affirming care,” Knott said. “Yet, it has chosen to retreat. This sends a chilling and damaging message to the very young people who most need affirmation, stability, and support.”