BREAKING NEWS: Transgender youth in Illinois are facing a dire reduction in access to vital gender-affirming care, with hospitals pulling back services in the wake of new federal policies. Families are left scrambling for options as the health crisis deepens.
Robert Skrezyna is anxiously waiting for a message from Lurie Children’s Hospital regarding his 15-year-old daughter, Chloe, who relies on hormone therapy. “I’m honestly afraid I’d have one less kid,” he said, fearing a loss of care could lead to devastating outcomes.
Since January 2023, when President Donald Trump issued an executive order threatening federal funding for hospitals providing gender-affirming care to those under 19, numerous facilities in the Chicago area have ceased such services. This has left families terrified and confused, as they struggle to find alternative care for their children.
Hospitals, including UChicago Medicine and Rush University System, have scaled back gender-affirming services, citing federal pressure. Asher McMaher of Trans Up Front Illinois stated, “We are facing a health care crisis for these kids.” Before the order, families had access to over 100 medical providers offering comprehensive care, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy. Now, that number has shrunk to approximately 20 to 25 practices for teens aged 16 to 19, with only 10 options for younger children seeking puberty blockers.
A recent message to a South Side family revealed UChicago Medicine would stop providing gender-affirming care to pediatric patients, citing risk of losing federal funding. “This is in response to numerous indications from the federal government that funding which supports a wide variety of patient care services is at risk,” the hospital stated.
The implications of this drastic change are significant. Children in treatment face disruptions, while new patients encounter dangerous delays. McMaher added, “We get calls saying people are afraid they’re going to lose their children.”
Dr. Jessica Lapinski, an independent provider, continues to offer gender-affirming care despite government threats. “I feel it’s important to continue providing care to kids,” she said, highlighting the urgent need for these services. Lapinski operates on a membership model, charging $150 a month, avoiding reliance on federal funding.
Families are expressing their heartbreak as they navigate the fallout. One mother, whose child received care at UChicago Medicine, shared her anguish, stating, “They basically stopped without any kind of plan. It’s basically an abandonment of these kids.”
The situation has prompted protests across Illinois, with advocates calling for immediate action to restore care for transgender youth. “There’s a lot of misunderstanding about what this care is,” expressed one concerned parent. “Kids really need scaffolding and support from the medical community.”
The Illinois Attorney General, Kwame Raoul, condemned the federal government’s actions, stating that they are “attempting to bully health care providers to stop providing the care their patients require.” In response, Illinois has joined other states in legal action against the Trump administration to protect access to gender-affirming care.
As the crisis unfolds, the future of gender-affirming care for transgender youth hangs in the balance. Families are calling for support and clarity as they navigate this uncertain landscape. The emotional toll on children and parents alike is profound, with many fearing for their loved ones’ mental health and well-being.
Advocates and families are urging government officials to take a stand and restore services. “We need them to show up where they’re needed,” McMaher emphasized.
As the situation develops, the urgency for immediate solutions to restore care for these vulnerable youths remains paramount. Families are left to wonder—what will happen next?
