Yesterday, VCU Health (my former employer), again cut off access to trans-affirming health care for both children and legal adults (aged 18). I’m angry and disappointed, and I’m feeling extremely discouraged that those in charge will likely face no consequence for harming so many people.
After much consideration and based upon current understanding of federal and state directives, a decision was made on July 29, 2025 to cease providing Gender-Affirming Care at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU for youth under age 19. As has been the case with other children’s hospitals and academic medical centers across the country, this decision comes after a thoughtful and thorough assessment that revealed no other viable options at this time.
First, it’s important to note that VCU didn’t cease providing “Gender-Affirming Care”; they are discriminating solely against trans kids and 18-year-old trans adults. If you’re a cis kid or 18-year-old cis adult who needs hormone therapy or puberty blockers so that your body more closely matches your gender, VCU will still happily provide you that care.
Second, VCU Health’s leadership continues to hide behind PR-speak and weasel words instead of owning their cowardice. Note the use of passive voice with “a decision was made”. Actual humans made this decision, and we deserve to know who they are and have them say it to our faces. Maybe their desire for anonymity has something to do with violating both a Federal court order and Virginia law:
The federal administration lost in court on this issue.
The Code of Virginia prohibits discrimination against trans people seeking medically necessary transition-related care.
Yet VCU Health won’t continue providing medically necessary care as defined by the Code of Virginia to its patients.
— Sen. Danica Roem (@pwcdanica.bsky.social) July 29, 2025 at 2:51 PM
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I don’t know what to do or what actions I can take, I’m just sad and mad. I know I’ll find a path towards action soon, but in this moment it feels like all we are capable of is the equivalent of a sad-faced shrug emoji. Hugs to all.
