Families, Advocates Criticize Baystate Decision on Trans Youth Care

Baystate Health continues to face criticism after ending gender-affirming hormone treatments and puberty blockers for patients younger than 18, a decision the western Massachusetts hospital system said was driven by concerns over possible federal funding losses.

According to reporting by WBUR, families of transgender youth said the decision left them scrambling to find new providers despite Massachusetts’ legal protections for gender-affirming care.

Baystate Health, the largest health care provider in western Massachusetts, announced earlier this year that it would continue mental health counseling for transgender youth but would stop prescribing medication-based gender-affirming treatment for minors. Patients were referred to other providers, including Northampton-based Transhealth.

In statements reported by Western Mass News, Baystate Health cited “the evolving regulatory landscape” and concerns that federal policy changes could jeopardize “hundreds of millions of dollars” in Medicare and Medicaid funding. The hospital system said nearly 70% of its patients rely on those programs.

The decision follows policy directives and proposed federal actions by the Trump administration aimed at restricting federal support for hospitals and providers offering gender-affirming medical care to minors.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the federal actions, arguing the administration cannot unlawfully restrict access to transgender health care.

Families interviewed by WBUR and New England Public Media described fear, confusion and uncertainty after learning their children’s care would be discontinued. Some parents said they faced long waitlists and limited options for transferring care.

According to reporting by GBH News, providers and advocates warned the move could create a broader chilling effect among hospitals and pediatric providers concerned about potential federal retaliation. GBH reported that several Massachusetts providers, including Fenway Health and Outer Cape Health Services, have also scaled back some gender-affirming care services for minors in recent months.

Transhealth, an independent nonprofit provider in Northampton, told GBH News it plans to continue offering gender-affirming care for minors and is preparing for increased demand as larger hospital systems reevaluate services.