Two prominent hospitals in Wisconsin have temporarily halted gender-affirming care for minors, citing recent shifts in federal policy. Children’s Wisconsin and UW Health announced the suspension of puberty blockers and hormone therapy for patients under 18 years old in early January 2026. This decision follows directives from the Trump administration that have raised concerns about regulatory risks associated with such treatments.
The pause in services comes after Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, unveiled proposed rules in December 2025 aimed at restricting federal funding for hospitals providing gender-affirming care to minors. According to JSOnline, these proposals would prevent hospitals from receiving Medicare and Medicaid funding if they offer gender-affirming treatments. Given that most hospitals in the United States rely on federal funding, the new rules could force facilities to choose between providing necessary care and maintaining their financial support.
In response to the regulatory changes, Children’s Wisconsin stated it is “currently unable to provide gender-affirming pharmacologic care” due to increasing legal and federal regulatory risks. The health system affirmed its commitment to treating LGBTQ children with “support, respect, dignity and compassion” and will continue to provide mental health services.
UW Health echoed these sentiments, explaining that it is pausing prescriptions for puberty blockers and hormone therapy “due to recent federal actions.” The hospital remains dedicated to delivering “high-quality, compassionate” care to LGBTQ patients, as reported by Wisconsin Public Radio.
Impacts of Proposed Federal Rules
The federal rules are currently undergoing a 60-day public comment period after being published in the Federal Register. One rule would prohibit Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funds from covering gender-affirming care for minors, while the other would restrict Medicare and Medicaid funding for hospitals that provide such care.
Legal challenges to these proposed rules are anticipated, as attorneys general from 20 states, including Wisconsin, have initiated lawsuits against Secretary Kennedy’s authority to implement these changes. Advocates for transgender youth have voiced serious concerns about the potential ramifications of these policies on mental health. Steve Starkey, executive director of the OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center in Madison, emphasized that a loss of access to gender-affirming treatments could lead to adverse mental health outcomes for transgender youth.
A 2023 study highlighted the urgency of this issue, revealing that more than 80 percent of transgender adults have contemplated suicide, with over 40 percent having attempted it. These alarming statistics underscore the importance of accessible care for vulnerable populations.
Legal Context and Medical Consensus
Gender-affirming care for minors remains legal in Wisconsin, provided it has full parental consent. Major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, endorse such care as evidence-based practice. Their support is grounded in professional standards that advocate for comprehensive healthcare tailored to the needs of LGBTQ youth.
As the situation evolves, the implications of these federal policy changes will significantly affect hospitals, healthcare providers, and, most importantly, the youth who rely on gender-affirming care. The balance between regulatory compliance and the necessity of providing compassionate, evidence-based treatment remains a critical concern for medical professionals and advocates alike.
