University Health Services Halting Gender-Affirming Care Starting August 1st

University Health Services Halting Gender-Affirming Care Starting August 1st

In a disheartening announcement that has taken many by surprise, University Health Services has revealed it will cease the provision of gender-affirming care starting from August 1. The unexpected discontinuation of such a crucial service has sparked concern among the student population.

The announcement, sent out on July 1, stated, “We understand that this news may come as a disappointment to students who have relied on our practice for these services,” before going on to explain that the decision was reached “after thorough assessment of our resources, capabilities, and patient needs.”

Understanding Gender-Affirming Care

In essence, gender-affirming care refers to a range of services intended to treat gender dysphoria – a condition where an individual’s assigned gender at birth and their gender identity do not align. This treatment encompasses counseling, medications that block puberty, and hormone therapy designed to trigger physical changes in line with the individual’s gender identity.

The Catalyst Behind the Decision

This curtailing of gender-affirming care by the Student Health Services seems to have been influenced by the conservative outlet Texas Scorecard. Texas Scorecard has published previous articles criticizing the provision and acceptance of gender-affirming care. Among their actions, Scorecard articles have had repercussions on the careers of significant figures and influenced key hiring decisions within the university.

Further, Texas Scorecard based their critique, in part, on materials presented by Transcend, an independent student organization. Transcend serves the transgender, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and gender-questioning communities at the university and the broader Bryan-College Station area. In a show of solidarity, Transcend reassures these communities that they have a safe space and a community in spite of Brazos County’s often anti-LGBTQ+ reputation.

Quantifying Gender-Affirming Care at the University

A follow-up open records request revealed that the number of HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) prescriptions provided by A&M steadily increased from 26 in 2019, to 60 in 2021, 85 in 2022, and 127 in 2023. However, A&M clarified that these figures represent the number of prescriptions and not individuals who were provided these prescriptions.

University Health Services have said: “Treatment plans are collaboratively developed between the patient and their healthcare provider,” and went on to stress that no gender-affirming surgeries are conducted at UHS. They also reassured that out of the 48,192 office visit services in 2023, only 44 students, all consenting adults, paid for gender-affirming care treatment at UHS, constituting a total of 129 appointments.

Transferring Care

The July 1 announcement encourages those affected by the policy shift to contact nurse leaders Kristen Lavigne or Joscelyn Blevins. They added: “We are committed to supporting all our patients in their healthcare journey. Our team can assist you in finding alternative gender-affirming care from compassionate providers with expertise in this area.”

This significant decision by the university places a spotlight on the healthcare rights and needs of transgender and gender-nonconforming students, enriching the broader discussion on gender rights and healthcare provision in educational institutions.