Lurie Children’s Hospital halts gender-affirming surgeries for teens

A hospital in Chicago, Lurie Children's Hospital, has decided to stop performing gender-affirming surgeries for teens. This change comes after an executive order from former President Trump threatened to cut federal funding for hospitals providing such care. One 17-year-old boy, who has been transitioning for four years, was hoping to schedule top surgery. His mother received a voicemail from the hospital confirming that the surgery was on hold. She felt devastated for her son, who has been waiting for this important step in his treatment. Many families of transgender youth are expressing their disappointment and confusion. Parents and patients worry that other forms of care could also be restricted, such as hormone therapy and counseling. Some families are considering leaving the country to get the care their children need. Dr. Robert Garofalo from Lurie said that the hospital made this difficult decision to protect the majority of services provided to transgender youth. However, many feel that Lurie is no longer a safe place for transgender care. Other hospitals, like Northwestern Memorial, have also paused gender-affirming surgeries for minors. Families feel threatened by the national rhetoric against transgender rights and worry about losing access to necessary medical treatments. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and others have promised to protect transgender rights in the state. However, families are frustrated by the lack of clear action to ensure continued access to care. Transgender youth in the U.S. often face higher rates of violence and mental health struggles. Experts emphasize the importance of transgender medical care in reducing these issues. An 18-year-old boy who underwent surgery last year shared that this care has positively impacted his life. However, he, too, is nervous about potential changes in access to treatment. As the situation unfolds, families continue to seek support and clarity regarding the future of gender-affirming care in Chicago and beyond.