St. Paul, MN — Today, Children’s Minnesota announced it will temporarily pause issuing prescriptions for gender-affirming care for trans, non-binary, and Two Spirit youth. The decision comes amid escalating federal pressure that threatens critical federally funding, the hospital’s operations, and intensifies retribution against Minnesota’s trans community.
State Representative Liish Kozlowski (DFL–Duluth) and Sean Hayes, Executive Director of Trans Northland, released the following statement:
“We are deeply disappointed and heartbroken by Children’s Minnesota’s decision to pause gender-affirming care services. This program has long been a beacon of hope and joy for families across the state—especially those traveling from the Northland – for compassionate, evidence-based care rooted in dignity, autonomy, and belonging.
"We are outraged by the federal administration’s escalating attacks on trans youth, their families, and the medical professionals who care for them. Gender-affirming care is evidence-based, essential, and lifesaving—political intimidation will never change that fact.
"This is a profoundly heavy and dangerous moment of unprecedented cruelty, as the federal administration moves aggressively to eradicate transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people from public life. Young people and families deserve care, dignity, and protection—not abandonment.
"We are hearing from families across northern Minnesota are scared, confused, and angry. Even a so-called ‘temporary pause’ causes real harm: it disrupts care, disrupts patient-provider relationships, forces families to scramble for alternatives, and drives people away from healthcare altogether. When politicians interfere with lifesaving healthcare, kids are left waiting, hoping, and hurting.
"Minnesota has held the line where others have faltered because our laws are strong and our values are clear—and that commitment will not waver.
"Let there be no confusion: gender-affirming care remains legal and protected in Minnesota. Nothing in current law or proposed rulemaking changes that fact.
"A pause must be just that—a pause. If Minnesota prevails in its legal challenge this March, we fully expect Children’s Minnesota to immediately resume care.
"To hospital systems statewide: we will work relentlessly to protect access for trans youth and defend healthcare providers. Federal overreach will continue to be challenged, and providers should continue delivering care, unless a court clearly rules otherwise.
"We are undeterred by federal overreach and refuse to let fear dictate our values. Minnesota will remain a refuge – we stand unequivocally with trans and non-binary kids and their families, and we will fiercely defend gender-affirming care and every child’s right to thrive."
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