Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma has announced the closure of its pediatric gender-affirming clinic, with plans to wind down operations over the next few weeks. The hospital will cease to provide gender-affirming medical treatments to patients under the age of 18, canceling all upcoming appointments. This decision comes amid heightened federal scrutiny that threatens the hospital’s access to vital funding through Medicare and Medicaid.
In a communication to families, MultiCare, the nonprofit health system operating Mary Bridge, cited the potential loss of federal funding as a critical factor driving this decision. According to a statement from Bill Robertson, CEO of MultiCare, without these payments, the organization “would cease to exist.” The importance of federal funding is underscored by statistics revealing that over 62% of Mary Bridge patients depend on Medicare and Medicaid, while nearly 75% of patients across MultiCare rely on public insurance.
Transitioning Care and Future Options
Families affected by the closure received a notification emphasizing that the clinic will phase out services rather than reschedule future appointments. Those aged 18 and older who are currently receiving gender-affirming care will be transitioned to their existing primary care providers, as feasible. For patients under 18 who are already using puberty blockers or hormones, the hospital stated it would offer options for ongoing treatment. However, it cautioned that securing alternative care might prove challenging.
Despite the discontinuation of medical services, Mary Bridge will continue to provide behavioral health support, which includes mental health assessments and counseling. For families seeking medical gender-affirming care, Seattle Children’s Hospital maintains a Gender Clinic that offers comprehensive treatments, including hormone therapy, and welcomes referrals from primary care providers.
Wider Implications and Advocacy Efforts
Mary Bridge’s closure is part of a broader trend seen across the United States, where numerous hospitals have reduced or closed pediatric gender clinics amid increasing federal scrutiny and proposed regulations impacting Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements. Reports from national media outlets, including The Washington Post and the Associated Press, have highlighted similar shutdowns of pediatric gender programs in various states, indicating a nationwide pattern.
In Washington, a shield law exists to protect patients and providers engaged in gender-affirming care from civil or criminal actions originating from other states. Nonetheless, these legal protections do not alleviate the financial challenges that hospitals face when federal funding is at stake. The Washington State Attorney General’s office has provided guidance on the scope and limitations of this shield law, which was initially passed in 2023 and has since been strengthened.
Local advocates and families have urged MultiCare to reconsider its position, citing research that demonstrates the positive impact of gender-affirming care on reducing suicidal ideation among transgender youth. Protests have been documented outside MultiCare facilities, reflecting the mounting frustration among families as services began to diminish last year, as reported by The Seattle Times.
As the situation unfolds, Mary Bridge has pledged to engage directly with affected patients to discuss care options and strive for continuity of care wherever possible. Families facing urgent needs have been encouraged to reach out to crisis resources. For further assistance with medical gender-affirming care, families can contact Seattle Children’s Gender Clinic at 206-987-2028 or visit their website for additional referral details and support.
