By MJ Shannon
State Rep., D-117
It was confirmed earlier this month that both Connecticut Children’s and Yale New Haven Health are phasing out gender-affirming care for minors. For years, these institutions have been trusted places for transgender youth and their families, offering essential, evidence-based care in a supportive environment. Now that care is being pulled back, and many families across our state are left unsure about where to turn next.
Let’s be clear: gender-affirming care is not new or experimental. It’s supported by every major medical organization in the country, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association and the Endocrine Society. When delivered thoughtfully and in an age-appropriate way, gender-affirming care can be life-saving.
For many young people, this care involves things like counseling, support during a social transition, and in some cases, puberty blockers under the supervision of medical professionals. These decisions are never made quickly or lightly. They come after careful conversations between doctors, families and the young person involved.
The decision to phase out this care at two of our most respected health systems sends the wrong message. It tells transgender youth that their health and well-being are up for debate. It leaves families without the support they’ve relied on. And it puts providers in an impossible position, forcing them to choose between doing what’s right for their patients and navigating growing external pressures.
I don’t bring this up to cast blame or stir outrage. I bring it up because it’s real, and it’s affecting people right here in our community. I’ve spoken with young people who are scared about what comes next. I’ve heard from parents who are doing everything they can to support their children, only to be left with fewer and fewer options.
Connecticut has always taken pride in being a leader on LGBTQ+ rights. We’ve passed strong laws to protect people from discrimination. We’ve banned conversion therapy. And we’ve worked to create safe, inclusive communities. But protecting those values means more than passing laws – it means making sure that everyone, especially kids, can actually access the care and support they need.
We should be expanding access to this care, not phasing it out. We should be backing up our health care providers and making it easier for them to do their jobs. Most importantly, we should be listening to the voices of the young people and families most affected by these decisions.
I’ll keep pushing for policies that ensure every child in Connecticut can get the care they need without fear, stigma or delay. That’s how we protect our values. That’s how we protect our kids.
If you have questions, concerns or just want to talk, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email me at mj.shannon@cga.ct.gov or call my office at 860-240-8585.