1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to secure funding for gender-affirming care at Denver Health. Due to recent federal policy changes, Denver Health has been forced to pause gender-affirming surgeries for minors in order to maintain its federal funding. This decision threatens access to life-saving care for transgender and nonbinary youth in Colorado. On January 28, 2025, former President Trump issued Executive Order 14187, directing federal agencies to withhold funding from hospitals that provide gender-affirming procedures for minors. As a result, Denver Health has had to restrict essential services, putting some of Colorado’s most vulnerable residents at risk. Without immediate state intervention, many trans youth will lose access to medically necessary care. Colorado has been a national leader in LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare access. Now, we need state-level action to ensure that transgender and nonbinary youth are not left without the care they need. This is a public health and human rights issue—one that requires swift and decisive action to protect the well-being of all Coloradans. I urge you to take steps to secure funding for Denver Health’s gender-affirming care services, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of age or gender identity, continue to have access to the healthcare they need. Thank you for your leadership and for standing up for the rights and dignity of all Coloradans.