LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Even though the U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors – setting a precedent that could pave the way for similar laws in other states – Michigan is holding its ground. Under Democratic leadership, the state remains a hub for both adult and youth gender-affirming care – and demand is growing, especially from families crossing state lines to access care outlawed elsewhere.
State Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) responded to the Tennessee ruling by reassuring residents that nothing has changed in Michigan. “An important thing to remember in light of SCOTUS’ ruling on gender-affirming care for minors as well: it does not ban this care” she posted on X. “It allows states to enact laws to ban it. Michigan does not have such a law, and gender-affirming care should still be available.”
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Despite legislative bans in over 20 states, Michigan law permits gender-affirming care services like hormone therapy and puberty blockers for both minors and adults. That access is underpinned by the 2023 expansion of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), which added protections for LGBTQ+ residents in the state.
Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the amended law in March 2023. In response, Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) Director Anita Fox issued a bulletin affirming the agency’s commitment to upholding the updated law in the insurance and financial sectors. “DIFS will continue to protect the rights of Michigan residents regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, or sex,” Fox wrote.
Adults have options – and coverage.
Major providers like the University of Michigan and Henry Ford Health offer a full range of adult gender-affirming care. Services include hormone therapy, counseling, and surgeries such as mastectomies and laser hair removal. Some clinics, including U-M’s Comprehensive Gender Services Program (CGSP), offer care without even requiring referrals.
Many insurance companies, including Medicaid and Medicare, may cover gender-affirming care under the DIFS directive, provided it aligns with clinical guidelines and is deemed medically necessary. There is also financial aid available.
Minors also eligible for care.
In Michigan gender-related medical care is available for minors as well as adults. Clinics like C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, the Ruth Ellis Center in Detroit, and Corner Health in Ypsilanti provide puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and other therapy services to youth under 18 years old. Some patients wanting gender-affirming care face no residency restrictions – like those visiting Corner Health Center in Ypsilanti, which serves individuals ages 12 to 25 – though telehealth appointments still require proof of residency.
Temporary pause, but services resumed.
In February of this year, Corewell Health temporarily paused gender-related care for minors, citing confusion from President Trump’s executive order titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation. It says, “it is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures.”
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The pause at Corewell Health was short-lived, however. Their quick assessment of the situation moved them forward and their services resumed swiftly. The hospital shared a statement with 13 ON YOUR SIDE that said, “Our team will continue monitoring federal changes to rules and regulations. We remain committed to providing the highest quality health care to all the patients we serve.”
Republican legislation faces roadblocks to fight against status quo.
Republican lawmakers in Michigan have so far failed to advance a ban on gender-affirming procedures for minors. In May, Rep. Brad Paquette (R-Niles) and Sen. Thomas Albert (R-Lowell) introduced a three-bill package that would prohibit hormone treatments and gender-related surgeries for children, allowing exceptions only for rare medical conditions. The bills were referred the House Committee on Health Policy. However, even if they passed the House, with Democrats controlling the state Senate, the bills have little chance of becoming law.
The Republicans’ plan also allows detransitioners to sue for malpractice and requires insurance companies to cover detransition care. Detransitioner Prisha Mosley and whistleblower Jamie Reed joined the lawmakers at a press conference warning of irreversible harm from current medical protocols.
Paquette said about the Supreme Court ruling regarding Tennessee and its inevitability, “The more people look at what these procedures are, they’re horrified with what they entail and what they do to children.”
State remains a safe haven.
Despite national controversy, Michigan’s laws make the state a destination for families seeking gender-related care. Advocacy groups like Equality Michigan and Stand with Trans continue to offer resources, referrals, and support to families navigating the process.
And in contrast to Republican pushback, Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a letter earlier this year reminding healthcare providers and patients that federal funding threats tied to gender-affirming care have no bearing on Michigan law and the LGBTQ+ community has a right to receive healthcare without discrimination.
While Republicans like Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Township) push to make Michigan a “sanctuary for our children and common sense,” the state currently stands as a Midwest sanctuary for gender-affirming care – including for kids.
