MADISON, WI — The Transgender Parent and Nonbinary Advocacy Caucus (TPANAC) held a constructive meeting with representatives from UW Health and Children’s Hospital regarding their recent decision to pause gender-affirming care for minors. The discussion focused on understanding the reasons for the pause, the immediate impact on families, and pathways forward that center the health, safety, and dignity of transgender and gender-diverse youth in Wisconsin.
During the meeting, TPANAC representatives shared concerns raised by families, medical providers, and community members who have relied on UW Health for comprehensive, evidence-based care. Advocates emphasized that delays or interruptions in health care can have serious consequences for young people’s mental and physical well-being, including increased anxiety, depression, and risk of self-harm.
The hospitals’ representatives described the factors informing their decision, including evolving legal, regulatory, and policy considerations. TPANAC acknowledged the complexity of the environment while underscoring that families need clarity, continuity of care, and transparent communication during this period of uncertainty.
The US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) are currently considering public feedback on its proposed rule. This is an important opportunity for Wisconsin residents to share their perspectives and urge federal leaders to protect access to gender-affirming care—which is life-saving health care—and clarify that nondiscrimination protections include care for transgender people.
TPANAC encourages families, caregivers, and allies to visit the Federal Decision-Making Portal at: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/CMS-2025-1823-0001 and submit your official comment by Tuesday, February 17. TPANAC will continue to engage with UW Health, Children’s Hospital, and other stakeholders to advocate for a swift resolution that restores uninterrupted, evidence-based care for transgender and gender-diverse youth in Wisconsin.
