MADISON, Wis. — UW Health will pause gender-affirming care for patients under 18 years of age, the health care provider confirmed in a statement to Channel3000.com on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for UW Health said the move was made after “recent federal actions.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced last month that it will propose a rule to prevent hospitals that offer gender-affirming care to minors from participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs.
“UW Health is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate and patient-centered care to our patients and families, including LGBTQ+ patients,” UW Health said in a statement. “We recognize the uncertainty faced by our impacted patients and families seeking this gender affirming care and will continue to support their health and well-being.”
The change further slims access to gender-affirming care in the Madison area. In 2023, News 3 Now Investigates found that SSM Health discontinued gender-affirming care at its Middleton location after receiving pressure from the Catholic Church.
SSM Health discontinues gender-affirming surgeries in the Madison area amid pressure from the Catholic Church
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