Response to Fenway Health’s Move to Stop Medical Gender-affirming Care for People Under 19
Transhealth stands with trans and gender-diverse youth and their families – particularly those who are feeling fear and uncertainty in the wake of Fenway Health’s recent decision to end medical gender-affirming care for patients under the age of 19.
As the only independent, non-profit healthcare organization in the U.S. solely devoted to serving trans and gender-diverse communities, Transhealth remains unwavering in its commitment to provide comprehensive, evidence-based, and compassionate care to people of all ages.
Fenway Health is directing their trans patients under the age of 19 to Transhealth for gender-affirming care, and we are prepared to welcome them all. We are actively taking steps to further expand our capacity and coordinate with families and providers to ensure that no young person in Massachusetts loses access to the healthcare they need on our watch.
To the youth, parents, and caregivers who are now navigating this transition: You are not alone. Our providers are here for you. Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and affirmed and to receive medically necessary healthcare without fear or interruption – and we will do everything we can to make that possible.
It’s very important to state that no laws have changed and that providing gender-affirming care remains legal under federal law. In Massachusetts, state law and policy confirm that trans and gender-diverse people have the full legal right to receive gender-affirming care without discrimination or denial of coverage. Our Governor and her Administration, the Massachusetts Attorney General, and the Massachusetts Legislature have, together, made it clear that Massachusetts is and will remain a safe, welcoming place for trans and gender-diverse people, no matter what happens in Washington, D.C.
We are grateful to our community, partners, and supporters for standing with Transhealth and with trans youth during this critical time. Together, we will continue to fight back against the illegal, immoral, and unjust actions of the federal administration. Together, we will stand strong in the knowledge that trans people belong. Together, we will work to build a future where gender-affirming care is not debated or denied – but delivered with compassion, expertise, and pride.
Transhealth is here, and we are open for care.
