Even in safe-haven Massachusetts, trans care is at risk. Young people are fighting to protect it

In Massachusetts, a state often considered one of the most accepting towards trans individuals, there is growing concern over the potential loss of gender-affirming care. Advocates are urging the state attorney general, Andrea Campbell, to take action against hospitals that have discontinued these programs following the re-election of President Trump.

On Wednesday, a group of young activists from across the state gathered at Campbell's office, bringing medical supplies and refusing to leave until she committed to protecting civil rights for trans youth.

Massachusetts is legally considered a safe haven for trans individuals, but some hospitals are still ending gender-affirming care and canceling surgery appointments. The Trump administration's efforts to undermine state laws have created barriers to care and a chilling effect on patients. While the state attorney general has expressed support for trans youth, she has not ordered hospitals to reinstate care or investigated those that have discontinued it.

Organizers from Protect Trans Futures, a youth-led group, are demanding Campbell take action or face potential litigation. They argue that the hospitals are preemptively complying with the administration's agenda and that the attorney general should hold them accountable. Despite concerns about the potential impact of a less sympathetic attorney general in the future, many trans advocates see this action as holding the government to its own standards.

The Trump administration has also attempted to restrict Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care, but these efforts have been largely unsuccessful. However, at least three Massachusetts hospitals or healthcare systems have ended gender-affirming care programs for patients under 19 in response to the administration's directives. This means that 18-year-olds, who are legally considered adults, are now affected.

While state attorney general Campbell has met with trans youth advocates and expressed support for their cause, she has not ordered hospitals to reinstate care or taken other strong actions. This has led to frustration among activists, who feel the attorney general is not doing enough to protect trans rights in Massachusetts.