Defending Access to Evidence-Based Gender-Affirming Health Services

The National Association of Social Workers – Michigan Chapter (NASW-Michigan) stands in unequivocal opposition to Michigan Medicine’s decision to halt medically necessary, evidence-based gender-affirming care for minors following political pressure from the Trump Administration. This action is a devastating setback for transgender and nonbinary youth and their families across our state, stripping them of access to lifesaving care that is widely recognized as safe, ethical, and essential.

Gender-affirming care remains both legal and ethical. Social workers, guided by our Code of Ethics, have a professional and moral responsibility to support affirming, person-centered care for LGBTQ+ individuals. We reaffirm our commitment to advocate for the rights, dignity, and wellbeing of transgender and nonbinary youth in Michigan.

NASW-Michigan urges policymakers, healthcare leaders, and community allies to resist political interference in healthcare and to stand with young people whose health, safety, and futures depend on access to affirming care.

Our partners at Equality Michigan are holding an upcoming FREE webinar to provide timely updates about renewed and refined federal efforts to attack trans health care for people under 19 in Michigan

Thursday, September 4, 2025. 6:30 - 7:30pm

Click here to register.

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Attorney General Dana Nessel Reissues Guidance to Michigan Healthcare Providers and Patients (August 26, 2025)

“The announcement from the University of Michigan that they will no longer provide their transgender patients with all of the healthcare options available is shameful, dangerous, and potentially illegal,” Attorney General Nessel said in response. “This cowardly acquiescence to political pressure from this president and his administration is not what patients have come to expect from an institution that has labeled itself, ‘the leaders and the best,’ and my Department will be considering all of our options if they violate Michigan law.”