Urge Action to Protect Gender-Affirming Care and Civil Rights in Michigan

I am writing to express my deep concern over Michigan Medicine's recent decision to end gender-affirming care for patients under 19 years old. This decision not only affects the transgender community but also threatens the civil rights and constitutional protections of all Michigan residents. As you may be aware, our state's civil rights law explicitly protects individuals based on gender identity. The attorney general has even issued a statement reminding healthcare providers that refusing services based on protected status is unlawful. Despite this, Michigan Medicine has taken a step that directly contradicts these protections, and the silence from many of our elected officials is deafening. Gender-affirming care is legal in Michigan, and it is a crucial aspect of healthcare for many young transgender individuals. By allowing this decision to go unchallenged, we risk setting a dangerous precedent that could erode fundamental rights for all citizens. History has shown us that when the rights of one group are threatened, it often leads to the erosion of rights for others. I urge you to take immediate action to address this issue. Specifically, I ask that you: 1. Publicly condemn Michigan Medicine's decision and reaffirm your commitment to protecting the rights of all Michigan residents, including transgender youth. 2. Work with your colleagues to introduce or support legislation that strengthens protections for gender-affirming care in our state. 3. Engage with Michigan Medicine and other healthcare providers to ensure they understand and comply with our state's civil rights laws. The strength of our democracy lies in our ability to defend the rights of all citizens, especially those who are marginalized or vulnerable. Your action on this issue is not just about transgender rights; it's about upholding the constitutional protections that form the bedrock of our society. Time is of the essence. Every day that passes without action is another day that young transgender individuals in Michigan are denied their right to essential healthcare. Please don't let silence be mistaken for complicity. Stand up for the rights of all Michiganders and take concrete steps to address this urgent issue.